Moonlight Benjamin
Haiti/France
Australian Exclusive
Nicknamed the ‘Caribbean Patti Smith’ by The Guardian, voodoo queen priestess Moonlight Benjamin plays raw, heavy blues rock inspired by Caribbean melodies and artists Dr John, Alabama Shakes and Oumou Sangaré. Moonlight's deep and expansive vocals in Creole, backed by raging electric guitars and thunderous drumming, turns voodoo trance into a new and explosive style. Brought up singing hymns in a church orphanage, she first discovered rock, then studied jazz when she moved from Port-au-Prince to France. A favourite of Martin Gore (Depeche Mode), Iggy Pop and Cerys Matthews (Catatonia) she’s been cover star of Songlines magazine and gained international recognition since her debut album was released in 2011, with tours and festivals on both sides of the Atlantic. While Moonlight’s muse has often been her motherland, Haiti, the themes of her music have become more universal as she has delved deeper into the history of the blues.
Workshop:
Despite what you see in the movies, voodoo (vodou) is a white magic tradition, focused on healing body and soul, on reconnecting with Mother Earth and the spirits, and on positive energy. It mixes singing, dancing, percussion, trance and spirituality. You are invited to join Moonlight Benjamin, who is a real Haitian vodou priestess, for this exciting, rare and soulful well-being session. Moonlight used to say that she sings to heal people, and she looks forward to sharing this with the audience. Caution - you might sing and dance too!
Sat
3:30pm
Foundation Stage
Mon
4:00pm
Moreton Bay Stage 5