Marina Keeping Memories Alive Through Song

Illawarra Mercury

Friday October 5, 2007

By KATELIN MCINERNEY

MUSIC has become an important part of Marina Sabushimike's life since she left Burundi with her family a year ago.

The 17-year-old Warrawong High School student is a member of the newly formed Burundi Gospel Choir, which will make its debut as part of the Viva La Gong Festival on Sunday.

Marina and her family will take the stage as part of the choir, from the Living Word Pentecost Church in Warrawong, performing a selection of gospel music in their native language as a celebration of spirituality and culture.

The children of the congregation will also perform a mixed language segment as part of the concert.

Marina is now learning to play the guitar, an instrument she "really loves", and her younger brother Sampson is learning the keyboard.

Living Word Pentecost Church pastor Jean-Marie Bigirindavyi said the small church of about 40 people focused on the needs of African immigrants.

Although choir members did not know one another when the group started, they had since become good friends.

Mr Bigirindavyi said singing had become an important way for people new to the community to learn about the gospel and the church support network.

The Burundi Gospel Choir will perform on the main stage at Viva By the Sea, on Sunday at 2.30pm.

Viva by the Sea begins at 10.30am.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

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