Symbiosis: A Powerful, Thought Provoking And Totally Brilliant Performance ~ OzAsia Festival 2019 Review

[WORLD PREMIERE ~ MUSIC ~ AUSTRALIA] Nexus Arts, Lions Arts Centre, Sat 2 Nov. Opening for Symbiosis was the multi-talented Didier Kumalo with Dylan Marshall on lead guitar, Kevin on drums, Ross on Bass and Jack on keys/synth; the guys played covers of African bands and music of their own. The music was rhythmic and mesmerising – like a ‘70s movie soundtrack. Marshall encouraged people to get up or sit down to dance; the crowd ran with it and we all thoroughly enjoyed their music. I loved them and would absolutely listen to their music again; I could imagine having friends over and having their groove playing, perfect mood music for drinking and catching up!   Symbiosis is a totally new collaboration between DOBBY (Rhyan Clapham) and Naomi Keyte, who literally came together on the Monday prior to tonight’s show. The couple explained their music was about the climate crisis and although they freely admitted to having no solution, this was their musical response to it. Kevin and Jack return to the stage on drums and keys and are joined by Felicity on bass. Naomi’s beautiful melodies blended with the brilliant rapping of DOBBY, brings goosebumps to the skin with their powerful and intense message through their music and lyrics, and the question remains – ‘What will be here when you grow up?’ There are voice grabs between sets and Rhyan’s uncle Bruce Shillingsworth (who featured on Q&A, which is well worth a google search) and Greta Thunberg that adds gravity to an already emotional and hard hitting act. The music is beautiful; Naomi’s voice is haunting, and DOBBY’s rapping skills are intense and pure. In fact, the whole show is powerful, thought provoking and totally brilliant. I am not ashamed that I cried for our waterways and our planet! “We still have time if we have the heart to do what is right,” is the last message they depart with and I hope against hope that this message is heard and acted upon! I really hope to see more from these two artists because ‘brilliant’ is a not a big enough superlative for this combo. 5 stars Janine Spearpoint #OzAsiaFestival #AdelaideFesCent Cover image of DOBBY courtesy of Cole Bennetts Centre image of Naomi Keyte courtesy of Tash McCammon