Okay, everyone, party at Louise Bezzina’s place – and we are all invited. To Brisbane Powerhouse, that is, for Ubuntu Social, a free all-ages celebration of world music, art and community on June 21.
You want to ask what is Ubuntu? Fair question. Ubuntu is an ancient African philosophy that translates to “humanity to others” or “I am because we are”. Also interpreted as “I am because you are”.
It’s rooted in the Zulu phrase, “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”, which means “a person is a person through other people”. Nice.
It’s an idea that appealed to philanthropist Carolyn Vincent who founded the Ubuntu Foundation, which is making the whole party possible.
This inaugural Ubuntu Social is the first of what will become an annual event on Brisbane’s cultural calendar. Through her work with the foundation and as Brisbane Powerhouse’s community ambassador, Vincent champions “true community” and initiatives that bring people together to foster shared purpose and positive social impact.
The event also fits Louise Bezzina’s philosophy perfectly. Bezzina left her role as artistic director of Brisbane Festival last year to take on the role of CEO and artistic director at Brisbane Powerhouse. She has always had a strong attraction to community events and her tenure at Brisbane Festival demonstrated that.
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Remember how she got us through the pandemic with those amazing Street Serenades events in our neighbourhoods? Street Serenades is how Bezzina met Vincent and the pair have become friends and collaborators since then.
“I met her through a mutual friend and she hosted one of our Street Serenades events at Salisbury,” recalls Bezzina. “The philosophy of Ubuntu really resonates with her and she is so excited about this event. And we are so lucky to have her generosity.”
‘What I love about this event is that it’s something that you would absolutely pay to come to’
Bezzina has just had 90,000 people through Brisbane Powerhouse during Brisbane Comedy Festival, which happened inside the arts venue. Ubuntu Social will be happening outside the Powerhouse, in the Stores building a few steps down from the front of the venue.
“What I love about this event is that it’s something that you would absolutely pay to come to,” Bezzina says. “But we have this magnificent gift that we can invite people for free. I hope people will travel from right across the city for it.
“Ubuntu Social is about what happens when people come together with openness and curiosity. It is a celebration of Brisbane’s creative energy, where music, culture and community intersect in a way that feels generous, joyful and shared. We are proud to present an event where anyone can come as they are and contribute to the experience.”
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Ubuntu Social will be hosted by stand-up comedian, author, radio presenter and popular Brisbane personality, Matt Okine. The Brisbane Powerhouse Plaza will transform into a live music playground for the event, featuring some of Australia’s most dynamic acts.
The line-up includes Brisbane’s Bullhorn Band, a nine-piece “nu-wave brass” collective blending funk, hip-hop, soul and electronic sounds into a high-energy experience; Comunidade Do Samba, bringing the spirit and rhythm of Brazilian samba through percussion-led performance and vocal harmony; Dance Masala, sharing the joy of Bollywood with their expressive choreography and theatrical flair; and The Cosmics, a Melbourne-based funk trio drawing on deep groove traditions with a contemporary edge.
Beyond the stage, Ubuntu Social invites audiences to explore a bustling market featuring local artists and creators, alongside a diverse food offering inspired by global cuisines.
The Makers program offers a series of free, participatory workshops designed to spark creativity and collaboration, including immersive sound healing with Light Castle, queer-led line dancing with Saddle Club, introductory circus skills with Flipside Circus, rosette-making with celebrated Brisbane artist Rachel Burke (Brisbane Powerhouse artist-in-residence), Dancehall movement with Nadiah NfuZion, nature-inspired crafting with Art for Earthlings, and more.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says Ubuntu Social will be a wonderful example of the community spirit that makes Brisbane unique.
“Events like Ubuntu Social bring people together and celebrate the many cultures that make Brisbane such a great place to live,” says Schrinner.
“This event reflects the strong sense of community and the welcoming lifestyle that continues to make our city Australia’s lifestyle capital. Brisbane Powerhouse plays an important role in supporting artists, creative talent and cultural experiences that people across our city enjoy.”
Ubuntu Social – a free all-ages celebration of world music, art and community – at Brisbane Powerhouse, June 21, 1pm to 7pm.
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