Emerging Cultural Leaders 2013

Geskeva-Lola (Mazna) Komba

‘I have discovered that I work extremely well in a team and community environment than on my own and that it may stem from the influences of being part of a big family, and such an inclusive community as Footscray … Being able to work with the diversity of people in the community makes me want to continue pursuing a career that always involves community.’ Geskeva-Lola (Mazna) Komba
Mazna is a performing artist experienced in theatre and music, a co-founding member, vocalist and emcee of MASSIVE Hip Hop Choir. She has been performing as part of the ensemble, mentoring and teaching music performance and song writing in community and school based workshops, festivals and events since 2010.

Mazna is also an active member of the Flemington Theatre Group (FTG), a group of young African artists who create and perform in theatre and interactive forum theatre and is an emerging artist and facilitator with Western Edge Youth Arts. Studying a Bachelor of Public Health and Health Promotion at Deakin University, Mazna has growing knowledge of Health Promotion, and is determined to combine her studies in Public Health with the Arts to create a platform to showcase the benefits of art in society for promoting individual and community wellbeing.

Mazna was mentored by Marnie Badham.

THE PROJECT
An exhibition of stories, journeys and experiences of Sudanese Australians living in the West.An inter-generational collaborative project in the West, the project will allow the members of the Sudanese community to work with emerging and professional writers, poets and musicians on personal stories of their experiences of migration and integration in the community.