Pop-up Performances

Kick off your summer afternoons with soulful sounds from across the world, on the Swanston Street steps at Fed Square! Across a number of days in January, a new surprise artist will take over the steps, bringing fresh global vibes to the heart of the city. Come for the music, stay for the atmosphere – and stay tuned, as more pop-ups will be announced. Amadou Suso Saturday 11 January, 4pm–5pm. Amadou Suso comes from Gambia in West Africa and is part of a Mandinka tribe who have been playing the kora for centuries. The kora originated in Gambia 750 years ago and Amadou is a direct descendant of the first kora player, Korea Musa Suso. Originally, the kora was a seven-stringed instrument, but over time it has evolved into the 22-stringed instrument you see today and is affectionately known as the African harp. Amadou first started playing the kora when he was six-years-old and was shorter than the instrument itself. He has since travelled the world, bringing to life the richness of Mandinka history through his contemporary mastery of the African harp.