Song for Selva

Les Thomas

“In the folk tradition of Woody Guthrie, Les Thomas doesn’t simply sing a story about a stranger, he learns their story, helps give them a voice and uses the medium of music as advocacy. Currently a lot of people get named and promoted as the next great folk artist, but it is people like Les Thomas that keep the origins of folk forefathers alive and true.” — Lauren Duiker, The Orange Press

‘Song For Selva’ is based on a letter from an asylum seeker who suffered 37 months in detention away from family. The film clip, which features Collingwood Football Club champion Harry O’Brien (now Heritier Lumumba) alongside, has reached thousands of people with its humanising message. Here’s the link to the clip: youtu.be/k-So-f80DNI.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre Australia