MC Stéphanie Denizard, talking about Global Rhythms with Sirine Demachkie.

Interview by: Sirine Demachkie

Winter is finally on it’s way out, it’s time to come out of hibernation and what better way to reign in the warm weather this September than to soak up; beautiful world music, international food, family-filled activities and so much more at the 2016 Global Rhythms Music Festival as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival and presented by Eastside Radio. To tell us more about the music festival – and maybe a secret or two of her own. I’m here with the very talented; International Singer/Songwriter, Entertainer and Producer & Host at Eastside Radio, Stéphanie Denizard.

Sirine: How are you Stéphanie?

Stéphanie: I am great Sirine, thank you for having me today.

Sirine: I’m excited to be chatting with you about this upcoming event! There’s something special about Global Rhythms 2016 Music Festival in that it’s the first of its kind here in Sydney. Tell me more about that.

Stéphanie: For the first time ever Global Rhythms will be held as part of the Sydney Fringe in the most culturally diverse city of Australia. Talented artists from all over the country will be performing at the brand new waterfront Bicentennial Park in Glebe. Global Rhythms is an independent self funded event, supported by ticket sales and sponsors. Proudly presented by Eastside Radio with the support from the City of Sydney. Global Rhythms will also be one of the main closing weekend events of the 2016 Sydney Fringe Festival.

Sirine: It’s a music festival, is it just for the Muso’s (Musicians) out there?

Stéphanie: It’s for everyone. It’s the perfect place for families, friends and couples to celebrate and enjoy quality musical moments together. Imagine a beautiful afternoon being surrounded by world music, international food, different cultures, workshops and activities. If you love to mingle with people who believes in diversity, ecology whilst listening to amazing music, Global Rhythm is for you.

Sirine: There’s also a focus on environmental sustainability where Global Rhythms 2016 Music Festival will be banning the sale of plastic water bottles and installing aquaBUBBLERs. What are aquaBUBBLERs and how are they environmentally friendly?

Stephanie: aquaBUBBLER is an Australian made, Indoor / Outdoor Drinking Water Fountains. With aquaBUBBLER people will be able to fill up their water bottle whilst socialising, saving money and making an ecological difference.

Sirine: As a part of the Eastside Radio team, you must be proud to present the event and even more so as you’ll be MC at the festival. What went through your mind when you found out?

Stéphanie: When I got the news, I was in Montreal. I was surprised, happy and honoured that they would choose me to represent this amazing World music festival.

Sirine: Any nerves?

Stéphanie: My job is to present artists, keep the audience engaged whilst keeping the show on schedule. All eyes and ears will be on me, so yes, I might be a little bit nervous. At the end, it’s nothing I can’t handle, I am used to being on stage.

Sirine: The Global Rhythms Music Festival is very close to your heart, not just professionally, but personally. Why?

Stéphanie: I’ve been producing and hosting a radio show on Eastside for almost 3 years now. Queen Kafé show is all about discovering female vocalists from all over the world and talking about what’s on in Sydney. I am also a world music singer so yes, Eastside & Global Rhythms are close to my heart. It represents what I love, music, diversity and a community spirit.

Sirine: Stephanie…you’re alter ego in the entertainment world is A – You were born in Montreal from Haitian parents, you sing in; English, Creole, and Portuguese and you’ve performed internationally in; Argentina, Brazil, Peru, the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Haiti and more…why do you call Australia home?

Stéphanie: My background is from two islands that I love; Montreal and Haiti. Since I’ve moved to Sydney, I have found both of my two loves in one big island/continent. I have found home in Australia.

Sirine: Who is A, How did the name come about and am I pronouncing it correctly.

Stéphanie: A is my alter ego, the jazzy world haitian creole singer in me. The name was created from a combination of two names. Aspasia, an influential immigrant to Classical-era Athens who was the lover and partner of Pericles and Athéna, the goddess of wisdom, courage, law and justice…
For the full story, click HERE

Sirine: So what’s next for A after the festival?

Stéphanie: I am presently collaborating on new projects with both Australian & international musicians. I am writing new songs to launch a new album in 2017. My ultimate dream would be for Australians to discover my roots and to learn about Haiti via music, arts, poetry and literature.

Sirine: Before I let you go, when’s the music festival, what time does it kick off?

Stéphanie: Global Rhythms is this Sunday 25th of September 2016. It starts at 12pm and finishes at 8pm. Eight of the best bands from around the country will perform on that day and It’s free for Kids under 12, $10 for Teenagers and Tickets are only $40 for adults.

Sirine: Thank you so much for catching up with me today Stephanie… or shall I call you A…all the best for Sunday!

To grab your tickets and for more information on the Global Rhythms Music Festival 2016, visit their website globalrhythms.com.au I’m Sirine and I’ll see you at the festival!

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