Our Artists
David Nduwimana
Musician and Singer
David Nduwimana is a talented musician, songwriter and worship leader. He was born in Bujumbura, Burundi where he taught himself how to play from a very young age.
Eight years ago, David left his family and fled Burundi to find refuge in Australia due to the country’s political instability. Nduwimana arrived in Sydney with an economics degree and a guitar.
David memorably delivered a moving vocal performance of Advance Australia Fair at the 2020 3rd Bledisloe clash between the Wallabies and the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium.
Melissa Isimbi, Photographer
“A camera is a save button
for the mind’s eye.”
Melissa Isimbi is a Rwandese Photographer based in Sydney, Australia. Her expertise also extends into videography with experience in capturing special moments on camera and film.
She is an accomplished entrepreneur and opened her own photography studio in 2019. Isimbi Studios specialises in mainly newborn, portrait, family, wedding, kids, couples, passport, engagement, birthday, and events.
Louise Whelan - Photographer
Louise Whelan is an experienced visual artist with over 15 years of work in various fields from documentary and fine art photography to corporate editorial work and stills on films.
Louise is a visual artist with a photomedia base, her interdisciplinary approach spans photomedia, projection, video art and installation. Much of her practice draws inspiration from environmental and humanitarian issues, and her interest in the aesthetic of memory.
She photographs for the state libraries of New South Wales and Western Australia and the National Library of Australia. Her current work includes documenting the diverse ethnic communities that make up Australia for the State and National Libraries.
Louise has kindly contributed significantly to the development of GLAPD’s new website.
Roje Ndayambaje
Spoken Word Poet
Roje Ndayambaje was born in Congo and raised in Uganda in a Rwandan family. Roje and his family fled to Uganda due to war when he was four years old, living in a refugee camp for eight years. At 12 years of age, Rojé and his family came to Australia where Rojé finally commenced his formal schooling and began learning English.
His poetry is marked by each of these places and a deep love for Africa. Roje writes and performs poetry to share the story of his people and encourage others to find and share their own. Roje’s storytelling abilities and soulful poetry will leave you changed after hearing it.
John Ogden - Writer
Ogden’s career began as a photojournalist in Southeast Asia during the early seventies, before becoming a correspondent for the infamous Tracks magazine and other counter-culture publications.
In 1998, he established Cyclops Press, a boutique publishing company dedicated to telling Australian stories. Ogden's first book, Australienation (1999), featured his own black and white humanist photography and addressed the reconciliation between Australia’s Indigenous peoples and the many other tribes that arrived later.
His latest novel, Whitewash – The Lost Story of an African Australian, was launched in November 2020. This non-fiction book presents social history through biography. It is not just the story of one man, but an essay on race and identity viewed through the lens of slavery and colonialism.
Pablo Muyumba
African Fashion Designer
Pablo is an experienced and talented fashion designer and tailor who has been mastering his craft since 2006.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Pablo’s designs and creativity is often inspired by his African heritage. With over 15 years of experience, Pablo learned to sew and the majority of his skills from his mother, a talented designer in her own right.
He is an extremely knowledgeable designer with the capability and skill set to design, make and create any piece of clothing or apparel from men's shirts to women’s dresses.
Experito Nkoola - Artist
Experito Nkoola, also known as Spiro, is a talented painter with roots in Uganda. His artworks focus on imaginative composition landscapes and capturing the essence of Africa's natural landscape and those who inhabit it.
He moved to Australia over five years ago and is the 2015 NSW African-Australian award winner.
You can see more of Experito’s artwork on his Instagram account. Just click the button below.