Suns of Mercury

27/04/2026

Thanks to SBS World News for asking my thoughts on Cuba, especially Tys Occhiuzzi for expertly presenting the story. The take-away: “What we’ve seen this year, in Trump 2.0, is an even closer tightening of the screws.”
See the story here: https://youtu.be/ip88ga171TE?si=Qm8YMivm0G36mObR&t=544

Adrian Hearn
Afrekete Australia
Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne
Melbourne Social Equity Institute

19/04/2026

I'm honoured to present this webinar for the Carnegie Network on my work with communities in Havana, Rio, and Melbourne. I'll draw stories from my book "Food System Intermediaries" to explore how universities can co-create partnerships that bridge peoples and traditions. Thanks to MIT Press and Engagement Australia for hosting the event. Register here: https://events.humanitix.com/roots-recipes-and-reciprocity

The MIT Press
Adrian Hearn
Afrekete Australia
Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne
Melbourne Social Equity Institute

Beyond aid projects: a three-phase model of reciprocal community engagement spanning Melbourne, Havana, and Rio de Janeiro.

31/03/2026

Thanks 7 News for inviting my opinion on Cuba. The take-away: Cuba wants to integrate into global markets, and if the US wants Cuba to open its economy faster, then “it would make sense for the US and its allies to support the reforms that are already underway in Cuba.”
View here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3618397448333664

Adrian Hearn
7NEWS Australia
Afrekete Australia
Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne

25/03/2026

I'm thrilled to drum alongside the West African goddess Oshun on her quest through forests, rivers, and the High Council of Orishas. Oshun is sensuously portrayed by Amarantha Robinson, directed by Rodrigo Calderón, and stage managed by Noemie Huttner-Koros.

The regional season hits Bendigo (on 10-12 April) and Wyndham (on 17-19 April) - for tickets see the below links:
https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/arts-culture-theatres/event/oshun -venue
https://tickets.wyndham.vic.gov.au/Events/Oshun

Adrian Hearn
Afrekete Australia
Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne

08/12/2025

“Chile: The Land at the End of the World” is the title of Melbourne University's newest subject, which I’m fortunate to teach with Dr. Israel Holas. From the sizzle of Santiago to the panoramas of Patagonia, the students have been delightful to learn alongside.

Adrian Hearn
Afrekete Australia
Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne

20/11/2025

The Engagement Australia Award has "highly commended" our community projects in Melbourne, Havana, and Rio. Produced for the award ceremony, our finalist video summarizes this work.
Thank you EA.
www.sunsofmercury.com/ea-award

Afrekete Australia
Adrian Hearn
Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne
Melbourne Social Equity Institute

11/11/2025

An enlightening evening of percussion, dance, and reflection with Lamine Sonko and a team of Senegalese artists visiting Melbourne for the Guewel Performance. Titled 'Language of the Drum', the session was expertly produced and recorded by David Beesely and his team at the New Media Studio of Melbourne University.

Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne
Adrian Hearn
Afrekete Australia
Melbourne Social Equity Institute

02/11/2025

Thanks to Rob Parnell and the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society for organising a talk about my new book last night. And my deep gratitude to the communities in Brazil, Cuba, China, and Australia for sharing your insights.
The talented team at The MIT Press has made the book Open Access for free download here: https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/15141.001.0001

Australia Cuba Friendship Society Canberra, ACT Australia ACFS.
Adrian Hearn
Afrekete Australia
Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne

28/10/2025

A gathering on the shore. An invitation to Country. A celebration of rhythm. Each year the Goddess of the Sea emerges at the Afrekete Festival to educate and entrance. African drums combine with Cuban batá and Indigenous voices to stir souls and heal hearts.
Commissioned by the Festival, the latest piece from Suns of Mercury brings together Lamine Sonko (Senegalese talking drum), Aloy Junco (Cuban chants), Adrian Hearn (composition/percussion), and Kutcha Edwards (Mutti Mutti Australian songlines) to guide us Deeper Still.

Stream on your favourite platform here: https://xelon.ffm.to/deeperstill

Afrekete Australia
Adrian Hearn
Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne
Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Harmonic Whale

Choose your preferred music service

24/09/2025

Friends and colleagues, I'm delighted to give this presentation at Manning Clark House (Canberra) in conjunction with the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society. I'll outline a project currently underway in Havana to cultivate medicinal and nutritional plants, in partnership with the Ifá-Iranlowo Afro-Cuban community, Suns of Mercury, the Antonio Núñez-Jiménez Foundation, and the Australian embassy.

More info here: https://www.manningclark.org.au/events/food-sovereignty-in-havana-local-results-and-global-challenges-professor-adrian-h-hearn

Adrian Hearn
Afrekete Australia
Melbourne Social Equity Institute
Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne

19/08/2025

The batá drums require little space, no microphones, and no audience. What they require is dedication, humility, and ashé. Eseun omo aña: Dom Kirk, Michel Concepción Mullings, Luke Dixon, Ariel Gallo, Adrian Hearn

Afrekete Australia
Cara Griffin