Timor-Leste - Ita Nia Lian, Ita Nia Istoria - Our Voices, Our Stories

Timor-Leste - Ita Nia Lian, Ita Nia Istoria - Our Voices Our Stories spotlights the vibrant new wave of Timorese music led by Hamoris Lian Timor, a creative movement dedicated to nurturing young artists, preserving cultural memory, and amplifying Timor-Leste's stories on the world stage.

Emerging from community driven collaboration across Dili, Suai, and the diaspora, Hamoris Lian Timor empowers artists to record, perform and share their lived experiences with authenticity, pride, and artistic freedom. This landmark concert features three of the movement’s most exciting voices, Izu, Jovie, and Lolobremu.

Their powerful songwriting and contemporary Timorese sound are redefining what modern music from Timor-Leste can be. Joining them will be special guest, iconic singer-songwriter Ego Lemos, whose presence bridges generations and honours the long tradition of Timorese musical activism.

Celebrating the deep creative relationship between Timor-Leste and Australia, the evening also features acclaimed First Nations artist Candice Lorrae, alongside the legendary Dili Allstars with David Bridie (Not Drowning, Waving), and cellist and composer Helen Mountfort from My Friend the Chocolate Cake.

In a history making moment, the night unveils three major Hamoris Lian Timor releases – IzuPi, Lolobremu, and Feto Nia Lian Feto Nia Istoria (featuring Jesuina de Carvalho and Felicia Maia) – and the premiere of a new documentary from Wantok Musik Foundation's recent work with the Women's Project.

This gathering of new work makes for an unmissable evening, highlighting Wantok’s commitment to elevating Timorese storytelling on the global stage. Supported by Creative Victoria and the Office for the Arts, this concert brings together artists whose work speaks to resilience, identity, and cultural connection.