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BLAKTIVISM
Hamer Hall
The lights go up and the Kuluin Nations Song Women take to the stage to open the evening’s show. Dressed in black and adorned with emu feather necklaces and possum fur, the women present a beautiful performance.
The spotlight shines on Breanna Lee next performing ‘Ngarra Burra’,her voice floating up the air like a beautiful bird in the sky.
Tasman Keith and Yirramal absolutely amaze the audience as they perform ‘ No Country ’ together, Yirramal’s voice blending with the rapping of Tasman’s Keith’s in an exceptional performance.
The talented pioneer of reggae Bart Willoughby dressed in a white suit plays a few numbers for the audience next and the crowd are absolutely loving him. Playing a medley of his most popular songs the Sugar Cane Mamas accompany him, adding in ‘ Woman’.
Tasman Keith returns to the stage for two more numbers ‘Left Right’ and ‘Territorial/Tread Light’, rapping about powerful themes. His performance is evocative and captivating.
Yung Warriors are up next to showcase ‘ Hunters, Gathers, Warriors’. The audience begins to cheer as a group of dancers from all different corners of the country lead Uncle Robbie Thorpe on stage in a boxers dressing gown. The crowd go absolutely wild for his appearance, the much loved activist basking in the moment.
The evening has showcased some impressive talent so far and certainly Deline Briscoe has one of the most captivating voices of the night. Her touching performance of Uncle Archie’s ‘ A Child Was Born Here’ is absolutely beautiful as images of influential Aunties and First Nations women such as Aunty Ruby Hunter and Aunty Eleanor Harding.
Rounding out the evening are Sprigga Mek , Kaiit and the Sugar Cane Mummas, all showcasing some spectacular talent, ending in a gathering of all the performers on stage to celebrate the evening’s success.
After a twenty minute interval, Baker Boy closes out the evening with an hour long set, and almost the entire audience is up and dancing. The energy in the room is electric as he plays ‘ Meditjin’ and ‘ Wish You Well’. He shows no sign of wanting to slow down, he’s having a great time, telling yarns to mob, unable to wipe the smile off his face.
The showcase has been an incredible experience, from spoken word pieces to moving performances it has been a display of Blak excellence, each performance memorable, touching and beautiful. It has brought together mob from different parts of the country in one space to celebrate the oldest living culture on Earth. Blaktivism proves that no matter who your mob are or what colour your skin is, that music binds us as human beings, and brings out the absolute best in people. It has been a joyous experience and a memorable show with every single performance absolutely captivating.
Words by Amanda Lee Starkey
