Melbourne’s vibrant music scene came alive on the 1st of February at the Bergy Bandroom as Melbourne-based singer-songwriter and Rafiki Mwema volunteer, Sunset Salore, officially launched her acclaimed debut EP, Love Kills the Monsters. The night wasn’t just about incredible music; it was also a heartwarming fundraising event for Rafiki Mwema, bringing together supporters for a great cause.
Guests were treated to a rare full band show from Sunset Salore, who was joined by local talents Gman, Rae Santos, and Kaiyah Mercedes. The Bergy Bandroom buzzed with energy as live performances kicked off just after 8pm, continuing late into the night, ensuring that every guest left with unforgettable memories.
Rafiki Mwema’s Founder, Sarah, Joins the Celebration
Among the audience enjoying the soulful tunes and electric atmosphere were none other than Sarah, the founder of Rafiki Mwema, and Kerry, Chair of the Board of Directors, along with many other incredible supporters of Rafiki. Sarah and Kerry had a blast watching Louise (Sunset Salore) in her absolute glory as she owned the stage, showcasing her incredible talent.
Sarah also took to the stage to share with the crowd the vital work Rafiki Mwema does in Kenya. The audience listened attentively, learning how their support on the night would help transform the lives of vulnerable children. The excitement peaked when the door prize giveaway was drawn—congratulations to the lucky winners!
A Night of Music, Meaning, and Milestones
Love Kills the Monsters has already been making waves, amassing over 280,000 streams on Spotify across 138 countries. With radio coverage worldwide and three singles charting on indie charts for over 20 weeks—including a #1 spot on three global indie charts—this EP is proving to be a sensation.
The music video for the single ‘Call It’ has also gained international recognition, being screened at prestigious festivals like the British Film Festival, Munich Music Video Awards, and Third Culture Film Festival in New Zealand. Notably, it won the Special Award at the Europe Music Video Awards (Season 16) and was most recently named Best Music Video at the New York Film & Cinematography Awards this month.
Described as an eclectic collection of stories woven together by funky basslines and sultry grooves with an alternative-pop vibe, Love Kills the Monsters is a musical journey of self-reflection and growth. In Sunset Salore’s own words:
“This EP was the first time I felt ready to tell a story, and it was really cathartic and quite reflective for me. It had been a hard few years. I forced myself to embrace a brighter outlook, to work hard, to enjoy that work, and through it to ultimately love and accept myself right now, as is. That’s where the name comes from—the thought that maybe we can love our demons away; that love can kill the monsters.”
Fundraising Success for Rafiki Mwema
The night was not just about celebrating musical achievements; it was also about making a difference. With 90+ attendees, the event raised $1,500, with proceeds from ticket sales and the door prize going directly to support the life-changing work of Rafiki Mwema. The generosity shown on the night will go a long way in supporting children in Kenya who need it most.
Thank You for Your Support
We are incredibly grateful to Sunset Salore, her fellow artists, and everyone who came along and contributed to such a memorable evening. It’s always inspiring to see the community come together for music and a meaningful cause.
For those who couldn’t attend, you can still support Rafiki Mwema by learning more about our work and getting involved. Together, we can continue to make a difference. 
