16 February 2018

Canberra's nightlife gets a culture kick!

| Megan Mills
Join the conversation
3

Multiculturalism and Diversity are well-celebrated in Australia’s Capital Territory, but there hasn’t been much evidence of it in the Capital’s nightlife… until now!

Canberra based entertainment company, Vybz Entertainment recognises the importance of social connectedness for building cohesive communities. In an interview in 2016, Nicole Moore, acting director at Community Participation Group with the ACT Government, stated that socialising was necessary for new arrivals, outlining the importance of new migrants connecting with people of a similar background, as well as experiencing the culture they have moved into. Ms Moore stated it was important for migrants “to embrace their culture and to be able to bring that diversity to the community, but also to get involved with their new culture with Australia and start to look at how they can get in that way as well.”

Founder of Vybz Entertainment, Valentine Ugwumba, did just that.

Valentine arrived in Australia 6 years ago from Nigeria and now calls the Nation’s Capital Home. Undertaking his Degree in Business at Charles Stuart University through CIT, Valentine immersed himself in the Aussie student life, balancing studies, work and family commitments while socialising to better connect with his new community. He noticed that the only opportunities to celebrate his culture or connect with people of similar background came from Community Groups or private functions, leaving little space to bring his diversity into the broader community. With the desire to bridge the gap between his new community and his cultural pride, Vybz Entertainment was born, giving an opportunity for minorities to celebrate and share their culture, and the chance for the broader population to experience the music, rhythm and style of their culturally vibrant communities.

Vybz Entertainment exists on the principles of Rhythm, Culture & Style, aiming to bridge a divide and use social settings to instil pride, unity and acceptance. In organising events over the last year and a half, Valentine and his team have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and interest Vybz Entertainment’s events created – Canberra was thirsty for something different – a different sound, a different experience, and a chance to get excited by the city’s nightlife again!

As their reputation grew, the request for Vybz Entertainment’s night events increased. To meet this demand in 2018, Vybz Entertainment has partnered with Treehouse Bar Canberra, to make experiencing culturally diverse entertainment a reality!

“Treehouse Bar is central, fresh, welcoming and fun – the staff are friendly, the bar’s aesthetic is eye-catching, and the team are supportive of new ideas. It was the perfect fit for our events, and we are exceptionally grateful for the support and opportunity Treehouse has afforded us so far”, says Valentine on why Vybz Entertainment chose Treehouse Bar as the venue for the only regular Afro & Caribbean event in Canberra.

Kicking off from Friday 23rd of February, Vybz Entertainment will be hosting VYBZ FRIDAYS one Friday a month at Treehouse Bar. If their past events are any indication, you can expect to be immersed in afro-Caribbean rhythms, with local and interstate DJ’s lining up Afrobeats, Dancehall, Soca and Reggae beats, back to back, all night long! Partygoers can also expect to see performances from outstanding local dance groups and entertainers. Vybz Entertainment works with local and interstate performers, giving young artists a platform to showcase their talents. The Kokoloco Samba Belezas from Kokoloco Dance Studio and the Subsdance Queenz from Subsdance Dance Studio are just some of the crowds’ favourite performers to date.

More information about Vybz Entertainment and their events can be found at the official website www.vybz.com.au or on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/vybzentertainmentaustralia

Tickets to VYBZ FRIDAYS on Friday the 23rd of February are available here.

(Left to Right) DJ Iain Campbell with Vybz Entertainment Founder, Valentine Ugwumba, The Kokoloco Samba Belezas, Local Canberra Performer, Augustine Brown, The Subsdance Queenz.

What would you like to see celebrated in Canberra’s nightlife?

Join the conversation

3
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
Isaac Ugwumba2:17 pm 22 Feb 18

Canberra is seeking for harmonious interactions amongst the diverse cultural population. Social events like this provide veritable platform for such interactions. Big tick for VYBZ!

VYBZ entainment! What an event that no one would want to miss out! Much much love!

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.