Maajela is a project taking influence from Hindustani, Sufi, Afrobeats, and Anatolian rock, aiming to create a powerful celebration of music through the different melodies, traditions, and rhythms these genres possess.

Combining the sounds of the cultures they represent with contemporary, layered, and expressive writing, their music sits in a space within the ever-developing relationship between the East and West.

Their emergence into the Australian music scene has seen them connect with fans who are similarly trying to find a home between worlds.

Along with this, the band has performed at WOMADelaide, New Found Sound, and supported Allah-Las.

They are joined by Immy Owusu & Sensible J as well as MALAIKA MFALME.

London-born and raised across continents, Malaika Mfalme is a Tanzanian/Australian singer, songwriter, guitarist, and event producer creating on Gadigal Land (Sydney). In their mother tongue, Swahili, their name translates to “Angel King.”

Malaika’s music is a powerful exploration of Black love, self-acceptance, grief, and the complex journey of being loved, and sometimes lost. Rooted in soul and folk, their songs create a healing space, carrying messages of kindness, reflection, and emotional honesty.

The Retreat Hotel would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which The Retreat now stands, and pay our respects to all elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded and that our venue operates on stolen land.