Fablice Manirakiza

Fablice Manirakiza is a former child soldier from war-torn Burundi who arrived in Australia as a refugee in 2007 and rebuilt his life through music. Now a rap icon among Australian youth, Fablice has performed at concerts and workshops across Australia, East Timor, and Africa, using his art to inspire resilience, hope, and social change.

A powerful keynote speaker, Fablice shares his journey of survival, freedom, and hope with diverse audiences, from school students to world leaders, delivering messages of empowerment and the transformative power of education. His TEDx talk, The Power of Education, exemplifies his commitment to advocacy and community development.

Fablice has released acclaimed music including his debut album Just Passing Through (2012), the single Child Soldier in collaboration with Paul Kelly (2013), and the EP Light of Peace (2015). He has performed alongside artists such as Paul Kelly, Xavier Rudd, Angie Hart, Diafrix, and Blue King Brown, establishing himself as a leading figure in Melbourne’s cultural landscape as a hip hop artist, presenter, actor, festival producer, and curator.

He has been recognised with numerous awards, including Victorian Young Achiever of the Year (2016) and the Kirk Robson Award for Community Arts and Cultural Development (2019). Fablice has served as President of the Australian Burundian Community in Victoria since 2013, been an ambassador for ActionAid and Love of Language, and continues to study a Bachelor of Criminology and Justice, furthering his mission to promote peace in Burundi and beyond.

Fablice’s story, music, and advocacy combine to inspire audiences to believe in hope, resilience, and the power of positive change.