The Dili Allstars have a full length album and merchandise available online. Click the album cover to order!DILI ALLSTARS
BIOGRAPHY
Dili Allstars are a high-energy seven-piece Funk, Ska, and Reggae band from Melbourne with members of the group originally from East Timor. Fronted by the smooth vocals of Paulo Almeida and backed by a wicked rhythm section of percussion, bass, drums and pumping keys, THE DILI’S live shows are guaranteed to make you move.
The group began in 1996 when Indonesian forces captured East Timorese resistance leader Xanana Gusmao. The act was formed by Gil Santos and Paul Stewart both whom lost family members when Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975.The band has used music to highlight the problems faced by the people of East Timor to push for International justice on their behalf. What makes the Dili Allstars different is that they play songs in English, Tetum (East Timorese) and Portuguese. The band has a strong social conscience, mixing superb musicianship with charismatic stage presence that ensures an exciting show.
Since forming the band the Dili Allstars have put together three compilation albums ‘Love from a short distance’, ‘All in the family’ and ‘Liberdade’ which raised more than $350,000 for the orphans of East Timor with the support of the Roman Catholic Church. They were supported in their efforts on these albums by national and international acts such as U2, INXS, Yothu Yindi, Midnight Oil, Garbage plus many more. The Dili’s have performed in many festivals such as the Melbourne International Blues Festival, Port Fairy, Apollo Bay, St Kilda, Queenscliff, Southern Roots (Hobart) Adelaide OzAsia Festival and many more around the country. The band has also supported acts such as Michael Franti and Spearhead, The Wailers (Jamaica) and Maxi Priest to name a few. The band have now toured East Timor four times including the Tour of Duty concert for the Australian troops in 1999 together with performers like Kylie Minogue, The Living End and John Farnham. The group was also Australia’s official representative at East Timor’s independence concert in May 20, 2002. In September 2003, the band toured Portugal because of its history supporting the East Timorese cause. While in Portugal the band performed at the Avante Festival, which attracted more than 400,000 people during the 3-day event. They also performed around Portugal at clubs, bars and some shows for the Australian Embassy.
It is because of their unique history and line up that they have attracted interest from Asia, Europe and South America. However Gil Santos stresses the band is not just a political vehicle, which he has stated, “We are also long time musicians and know that most crowds do not want to be battered with political messages. We play music to get people dancing and to have a good timeâ€.
The Dili Allstars are a testament that music can influence the struggles of oppressed peoples.
For music and video clip please visit our space www.myspace.com/diliallstars
For further press information, bookings & interviews please contact
Simon Raynor of TERRASPHERE PRODUCTIONS
Mob 0413 007 602 Email :
[email protected]
Web : www.terrasphere.com.au or www.diliallstars.com
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Add to My Profile | More VideosHau Mak Feto.
Music Video from the 'I Am Woman' CD, raising money for the women and children of Timor-Leste.
Available for purchase from www.afap.org
