Salama: Island Rhapsodies

Watch Salama, the dynamic, award-winning performance ensemble led by acclaimed artist and cultural advocate Dr Muriel Hillion-Toulcanon, as they bring the rhythms and stories of Réunion Island to life.

Réunion Island – a lush, volcanic and mountainous island in the Indian Ocean – is home to a unique blend of cultures shaped by a history of colonisation, slavery, and migration. At the heart of this culture is Maloya, a powerful music and dance tradition born of resilience, storytelling, and community expression. Once banned by authorities and performed in secret, Maloya is now recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Salama’s interpretation of Maloya is immersive and unforgettable, blending traditional percussion, soulful vocals and expressive movement with stories that explore emancipation, womanhood, childhood, and love. Their original songs are performed in Malagasy and Creole languages, reflecting the group’s diverse cultural roots from La Réunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, West Africa, Sri Lanka, and beyond.

Following their award-winning season at Fringe World Perth 2023 (Best Music/Musicals), Salama now brings Island Rhapsodies to Festival of Voices in its first Tasmanian appearance. This is more than entertainment – it’s a heartfelt expression of cultural memory, identity, and resistance passed through generations.

Whether discovering Maloya for the first time or reconnecting with Creole roots, Island Rhapsodies welcomes all with its joyful energy, universal themes of freedom and belonging, and a vibrant showcase of Indian Ocean island culture.

Content warning: This performance includes loud percussions.