Go Back To Where You Came From

Thank you SBS for showing something that is getting people talking about some of the issues surrounding immigration in Australia.


I like to learn something new everyday...or not - because most of what's news is crushingly depressing. This mini series didn't so much change my mind as provide some glimpses into what some refugees have been through. I did know about the war in Congo (DRC) but not actually much about it. Did you know, or do you remember these horrific basic facts:

In a country of 70 million, 5 million have been killed so far in a war that has been going on for the past twelve years. It is estimated that over 10,000 women are raped every day. I can't see how people can criticise people seeking to immigrate to safer countries than this.

Music of the streets of Congo

As Luc is in France (and I'm not) I think back to my visit there last year. As well as having a great time with him and his friends and family, I also did a little travel alone after he returned to Australia. While he was back at work I was traveling in Provence and staying with my first couchsurfing hosts.

The teenage son recommended a cool cinema in Avignon which I duly checked out. It was one of these small independent ones with a bar which everyone had clearly enjoyed before the film. I chose to see a music documentary as I don't (yet) speak French. I enjoyed it immensely and would recommend you track it down.

Benda Bilili is about a group of crippled musicians who met living and performing on the streets in Kinshasa, Congo. I've just watched the refugee documentary series 'Go Back to Where You Came From' (see post). There was a family who had fled Congo for Kenya and then maybe somewhere more permanent - so the lively man on that show reminded me of this music doco as he got the Australians dancing to Congolese music. Staff Benda Bilili were discovered by a Belgian music producer who helped bring their music to the world. These guys will amaze you.