Australian singer Reuben de Melo performs in ‘motherland’ India

Under twinkling lights and warm applause, the lawns of the Australian High Commission came alive as Goa-born Australian singer Reuben de Melo and Sydney-bred musician Milan Ring delivered a soulful and energetic performance at ‘Gig on the Green’ , celebrating music, identity and cultural exchange.

Fresh from winning The Voice Australia 2024 , de Melo captivated the audience with his emotional vocals and indie-folk sound. Born in Goa and raised in Perth after moving to Australia as a child, he traced his journey from engineering student to professional musician, describing how personal loss became the turning point that led him towards songwriting. His performance included a special rendition of the iconic Bollywood song Give Me Some Sunshine , instantly striking a chord with listeners and creating a moment of shared nostalgia.

Calling the evening a “return to the motherland” , de Melo reflected on his childhood memories of Goa, especially time spent at his grandmother’s home and ancestral village. He said these memories continue to shape his identity and artistic expression. One of his most personal songs, The Boys , written in memory of two mining colleagues who died by suicide, stood out as a moving tribute to friendship, grief and healing.

Ring, whose music blends alternative pop, soul and electronic influences, brought a global flavour to the concert. Of Indian and Hong Kong heritage and currently based in Berlin, she described her first visit to India as a “bucket-list dream fulfilled” . Enthralled by Delhi’s colours, sounds and vibrant street life, she said the city felt cinematic and inspiring, and expressed a desire to explore Indian classical music, particularly live sitar and tabla performances.

Australian High Commissioner Philip Green , who hosted the event, said the evening highlighted the creative strength of Australia’s Indian-origin community, now numbering over a million people. Describing it as a celebration of “cultural bridges between India and Australia” , he said such exchanges deepen mutual understanding and strengthen people-to-people ties.

For both performers, the concert was more than a musical showcase. It was a celebration of shared heritage and global creativity , reflecting how personal journeys, cultural roots and artistic ambition can come together on a single stage.