THREE ALBUMS, THREE CONCERTS FEATURING THE FINEST PERFORMERS AND WRITERS FROM TIMOR-LESTE
MEDIA RELEASE
In a landmark moment for Timor-Leste music and Wantok Musik Foundation –– three albums and a single were simultaneously released on 18 September 2026. A culmination of months of work across the region, the songs from each album amplify the voices of the women and men of Timor Leste, with the artists sharing issues close to their hearts and minds and topics of historical importance. With the rare opportunity to collaborate, create and release original music, each album celebrates the voice of the people, through the collection of songs written and recorded.
The three major Hamoris Lian Timor albums being released are — IzuPi, Lolobremu, and Feto Nia Lian, Feto Nia Istoria (Her Voice, Her Story), alongside Jovie’s new single Pirilampu Nia Lalatak. Each release shares moments of historical significance alongside important issues that have shaped the landscape and the people. Through the songs, the experiences of that time, the impacts on multiple generations are able to be shared.
IzuPi
These songs are more than an album; they are the deep voice and sacred history of the Timorese people during the occupation. They carry the cries of mothers who lost their children, the hope of missing children returning home to see their beloved land, and the enduring spirit of survivors who endured the storm so that future generations might know true love and peace. May this message of survival and hope inspire us to embrace music and art as vital pillars of education in Timor-Leste, and may it carry our story to the rest of the world.” Watch: FILA here
Lolobremu
“Lolobremu” is an album inspired by the people of Timor-Leste. It blends traditional Timorese instruments and melodies with Lolobremu’s unique contemporary piano style. The artist, Damiao Soares, comes from Liquiçá, west of Dili. As a child, he was sheltered by his parents during the Liquiçá Church massacre, where 100 East Timorese civilians were killed by pro-Indonesian militia members and Indonesian soldiers on 5–6 April 1999. The strength of his cultural story and identity permeates these nine songs. Watch Sailau here.
Feto Nia Lian, Feto Nia Istoria
Her Voice, Her Story, an 18-track compilation album by 15 Timorese women. These works reflect the depth, diversity and emotional power of the Timorese women’s voices from dance tracks to ancestral chants, from intimate ballads to songs of resistance and remembrance. Amplifying the authentic voice of women, the album marks a significant and important moment in time for Timor-Leste music. Watch documentary here.
Jovie – Pirilampu Nia Lalatak’ (single)
One of the standout voices of this movement, Jovie’s new single arrives alongside the three album releases – another reason to follow this next generation of Timorese artists as their stories reach further than ever before.
Ita Nia Lian, Ita Nia Istoria — Our Voices, Our Stories — Live Concert Series
To recognise this historical moment in Timorese music and to share the music of these incredible artists, Wantok Musik Foundation are presenting a live concert series in Dili, Melbourne and Sydney.
Ita Nia Lian, Ita Nia Istoria – Our Voices Our Stories spotlights the vibrant next wave of Timorese music. Initially emerging from Wantok Musik’s 2024 project and album, Hamoris Lian Timor: Reviving the Sounds of Timor, Ita Nia Lian, Ita Nia Istoria brings artists from both Wantok projects together with to share their incredible sounds, songs and stories.
Celebrating the deep creative relationship between Timor-Leste and Australia, the evening also features acclaimed First Nations artist Candice Lorrae, Beatrice Lewis (Haiku Hands) alongside the legendary Dili Allstars with David Bridie (Not Drowning, Waving), and cellist and composer Helen Mountfort from My Friend the Chocolate Cake.
Joining these historic concert events in Australia is Timor-Leste legend Ego Lemos. Winner of Best Original Song for Balibo and writer of the unofficial Timor anthem Timor Loro Sa’e.
This is a one-time opportunity to hear the music of each album live and direct – don’t miss out. The details for each concert are below. For more information go to http://www.wantokmusik.org
***CONCERT SERIES***
DILI, TIMOR-LESTE
Fundação Oriente
Friday 30 October 2026
http://www.wantokmusik.org
MELBOURNE
Melbourne Recital Centre
Friday 20 November 2026
BOOK TICKETS
SYDNEY
Riverside Live at PHIVE
Saturday 21 November 2026
BOOK TICKETS
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ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT
Petrina Togi-Sa’ena
ptogi-sa’ena@wantokmusik.org
ABOUT WANTOK MUSIK FOUNDATION
Wantok Musik Foundation is an Australian-based not-for-profit organisation that has worked for more than two decades with artists, musicians and communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste to record, release and amplify unique stories, music and traditional sounds. The Foundation uses music and the arts as a vehicle for cultural expression, social change and the strengthening of creative opportunity, supporting artists to access recording, production and performance platforms both regionally and internationally.
FUTURE WORK
To continue to work on these projects as well as other creative initiatives across the country and Pacific region, we welcome direct donations and contributions. The nature of these projects means there is always more to do, the creative process doesn’t stop after each project timeline ends. To allow us to continue the collaborations and connections from these projects and to continue to create these unique and important opportunities for creatives across the globe, support the work of Wantok Musik Foundation: www.wantokmusik.org/donate
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