Tag: Archie Roach Foundation

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ridzyray Drops Inspiring Single “Keep Ya Head Up” As Part of Singing Our Futures Program

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kiwat Kennell Collaborates With Dan Sultan on “Disconnected”

I’ve been so impressed by the music coming out of The Archie Roach Foundation’s Singing Our Futures program. This initiative which pairs emerging First Nations artists with some iconic mentors is giving a leg up to some extraordinary talents like Kiwat Kennell, who’s just released his latest single “Disconnected.” Kiwat worked with none other than Dan Sultan to tell his story through this song.

“’Disconnected’ tells the story of how my father saved my life, from my own actions, in one of the darkest periods of my life,” he admitted. “The yearning for a connection of any kind in a post-lockdown life is one that too many of us have all experienced. Through an unhealthy relationship with my mental health, I lost many personal relationships, resulting in a downward spiral, solo journey, that would eventually have me reconnect with my father, after many years of being apart. What began as a deeply negative and traumatic experience, has me now connecting to family, culture, and life!”

While the song came from feelings of being disconnected, it also sparked a very powerful connection between Kiwat and his mentor, Dan Sultan.

“We had known each other socially for a few years, but when I found out that Dan would be my mentor, and I would have the chance to work with him in a professional capacity, I couldn’t believe it. Dan Sultan has always been a huge influence on my career, his ability to captivate a whole audience with just his voice and a guitar, will always astound me! Being able to collaborate with Dan on this track has really changed how I approach songwriting. He taught me that the story, or song, that you start writing at one point in time, doesn’t have to be finished at that moment. Because like in life, you evolve … and your story isn’t finished yet. Sometimes you have to walk the path, to see where it leads.”

“Disconnected” is the latest track from the Singing Our Futures EP, which drops later this year.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jacinta Keefe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kee’ahn & Emma Donovan Team Up For First Archie Roach Foundation Single

Australia lost one of its brightest stars when it lost Archie Roach last year. But his legacy lives on through the Archie Roach Foundation Singing Our Futures program, which pairs emerging First Nations artists with Indigenous mentors. The first release from the program is “Take No More,” a powerful collaboration by up-and-coming North Queensland talent Kee’ahn and acclaimed Indigenous singer Emma Donovan. It’s a true First Nations anthem celebrating how elders across time have stood strong in the face of ongoing challenges so that hopefully the path will be easier for future generations.

“We started writing ‘Take No More’ around Invasion Day Jan 26th. Both of us were feeling a lot of emotions that come with the date and feeling inspired by grassroots mob who organise to educate and liberate our peoples,” Kee’ahn recalled. “We spoke about how our leaders across generations stand strong and staunch against ongoing challenges, the act of carrying the torch forward passed down from your elders so our future generations can do the same or ideally won’t have to at all. We spoke about solidarity and how liberation is a joint fight with many hands needed. It also feels like this song has grown over the year, during which time beautiful Black leaders and changemakers have passed on into dreaming – this song feels dedicated to them. To Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter and to Uncle Jack Charles. They inspire me/us to sing our truth for our past, present and futures.”

“Take No More” is the first track lifted from the Singing Our Futures EP, which will drop later this year.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jacinta Keefe