Such amazing music is coming out of the Singing Our Futures program. If you’re not already across is, the Archie Roach Foundation initiative pairs emerging First Nations artists with more established mentors for songwriting and recording sessions. The latest track released as part of the program is “Keep Ya Head Up,” a feelgood song of hope from Wemba-Wemba MC Ridzyray, who worked with hip hop act DOBBY.
“I don’t really know how to describe it; music is still such a new thing for me so most of the time I just throw some sounds and words together till I feel good about it so I guess it’s a ‘feel good sound’,” Ridzyray admitted. “’Keep Ya Head Up’ is kind of like a message and reminder to myself to be proud of the things I’ve over come in life, what I have accomplished and who I am and to not let that self-doubt and negativity consume my brain. And I’m hoping that people can relate. Plus, all the family always ask for a shout out in the songs so I threw in as many as I could at the end there.”
Speaking of working with DOBBY, Ridzyray said “The experience was so simple and smooth. I had an idea of what I wanted and shared it with him. It’s like he knew exactly what I wanted and what it needed to bring it to life and next thing I know we had a track there ready to go.”
“For me, Uncle Archie Roach stands as a symbol of what is possible for Indigenous artists,” he added. “He’s paved the way for so many of us, and I’m honoured to be mentioned in the same sentence. I was always playing sport and was sure that would be what I’d end up doing but injuries led to mental health issues which led to addictions and substance abuse and the only way out of that hole for me seemed to be music. I’m just doing what brings me joy, I feel very, very lucky.”
The program’s music will come together with the release of the Singing Our Futures Vol. 1 EP, slated for release on November 17.
Photo credit: Jacinta Keefe