Timomatic, or Tim Omaji as he was better known where he grew up in Narrabundah, said he was thrilled to open celebrations.

''There is an electrifying atmosphere at the festival that really brings a unique fire and energy out of you,'' he said. ''The synergy of cultures around the world celebrating each other as equals is a powerful thing.''

The Nigerian-born artist said he struggled as a young person with how to identify.

He said to maintain a connection to his rich cultural heritage while taking on life in a new context wasn't simple.

''I had an interesting and at times tough upbringing growing up in Australia,'' he said. ''My home life was pretty much Nigerian but my schooling and public life was very much Aussie.

''It was culture shock.''

Now, with time, Timomatic said he realised the support of his parents was a defining part of his ability to cope.

''In the beginning, I struggled to fit in as I was one of the only African kids in my school, but my parents instilled a strong sense of self confidence in who I was and where I'd come from,'' he said.

''Acceptance is the most important thing.''

The culture of mateship was something he encountered while embracing life in Australia. Timomatic said he felt the concept of mateship had great potential to mitigate racism and develop greater cultural acceptance.

''I think the idea of community gets tough when those who live in it are not open and accepting to newcomers,'' he said.

''The Aussie attitude that says to look out for your fellow mate is the key to a healthy community but a mate isn't determined by race, culture, gender or religion, a mate is purely determined by relationship.''

Timomatic said while he had tough times, Canberra was a place close to his heart.

Finishing school at Narrabundah College and studying for a while at The Australian National University were both squeezed in around the many hours he spent dancing at Canberra's Kulture Break.

''I have so many fond memories of my time schooling in Canberra,'' he said.

''I made my decision to chase my dreams wholeheartedly in Canberra so it means a lot to come back.''

The multicultural festival concert will be the first time Timomatic has performed in Canberra for 12 months.

''I've released three new singles, including Parachute, which I'm still yet to perform on ACT soil so I'm excited for that to happen,'' he said.

He was excited to deliver something fresh for audiences and fans.

''Expect an evolution in my music, image, message and entertainment style.

''I'm really excited to push myself to the next level and put Canberra on the map for the world to see.''

TIMOMATIC

When: February 7, from 8pm

Where: Multicultural Festival

How much: free