Five First Nations Artists You Should Support This NAIDOC Week

Heal Country.

It’s that time of year again; a time to celebrate, remember and appreciate the culture, history, achievements and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

In 2021, NAIDOC week is held between 4 July to 11 July and the theme is ‘Heal Country'.

The ‘Heal Country’ message calls to recognise, protect and maintain all aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander culture, identity and heritage.

Country is paramount to the identity of First Nations peoples and affects the lives of Indigenous Australians in every way, including physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially and culturally.

One of the simplest ways you can do your bit to Heal Country is to support, uplift, follow and shop from First Nations artists, musicians and businesses.

So, to give you a head start, here are five First Nations artists you should support or follow this week.

1. Ziggy Ramo @ziggyramo

We're starting off the list with amazing Indigenous singer, songwriter and activist Ziggy Ramo Burrmuruk Fatnowna.

With influences like Lauryn Hill and Charlie Perkins, Ziggy is an inspirational Australian hip hop and rap artist representing Indigenous Aussie perspectives through music.

Ziggy was born in Bellingen NSW (Baliijin to the local Gumbaynggir people) but he grew up in remote Arnhem Land, Sydney (Djubuguli) and Perth (Mooro).

His latest single “Little Things” feat. Paul Kelly tells the heartbreaking story of British invasion, intergenerational trauma, lost history, and Indigenous deaths in custody.

You can find his music on all major music streaming services and follow him on Insta at @ziggyramo.

2. Natalie Jade @natalie_jade_collective

Next up is Natalie Jade, a contemporary Indigenous intuitive artist who aims to provide healing through her work.

She is an artist based in Victoria and her Aboriginal heritage stems from her mother's side who originated from Bruny Island in Tasmania of the Nyunoni language group.

Natalie infuses her art with reiki and light language. Her works feature bright oranges, pinks, and yellows, capturing natural shapes and environments of the Australian landscape.

Collaborating with other creators and influencers on social media, Natalie shares her story through art and helps to educate others on Indigenous culture and her own history.

You can view and purchase Natalie’s art on her website or on Insta at @natalie_jade_collective.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by ⋒ Natalie Jade ⋒ (@natalie_jade_collective)

3. Emily Wurramara @emilywurramara_

Making waves in the music industry is Indigenous singer songwriter Emily Wurramara.

Originally from Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory and now based in Lutruita/Trowunna (Tasmania), Emily sings songs about home, family and culture.

Her first full length debut album Miluakburra is a dedication story to her home Bickerton Island (Milyakburra), where Emily spent most of her childhood.

In 2016 she released her debut EP Black Smoke, sung both in English and Anindilyakwa—her traditional language. Then in 2018 she was nominated for Best Blues and Roots Album at the ARIA Awards.

She is also a six-time Queensland Music Award winner.

You can find her music on all major music streaming services and follow her on Insta at @emilywurramara_.

4. Rachael Sarra @sar.ra_

The next incredible artist on our list is contemporary designer and artist Rachael Sarra.

As a creator from Goreng Goreng Country (Central West Queensland) Rachael uses her art to share Aboriginal culture, tell stories and educate others on First Nations people.

Her fun, feminine works explore the themes of societies perception of Indigenous art and identity and breaks barriers with playful typography, watercolours, purples, pinks and its uniqueness.

As a commercial artist, Rachael has also seen her works displayed onto the William Jolly Bridge at the Brisbane Street Art Festival, she was the lead artist for the Suncorp Super Netball, and worked with Australia Post to design the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum postage stamp.

You can view and find stockists for Rachael’s work on her website or follow her on Insta at @sar.ra.

5. Kaiit Bellamia @kaiit_isshe

Last but certainly not least on our list is musician, rapper and singer Kaiit or Kaiit Bellamia Waup.

Kaiit goes by she/he and they/them pronouns so we will refer to them as they/them in this article.

A neo soul singer from Melbourne (Naarm) and a proud Gunditjmara and Torres Strait islander on their mothers side and Papua New Guinean on their fathers, Kaiit draws inspiration from artists like SZA, Amy Winehouse and Lauren Hill.

Kaiit’s music is timeless, their creativity shares a deep spiritual connection with their ancestors and gives off all the best vibes of home, rhythm and soul.

By 20 years old, Kaiit was named in the Red Bull Music’s best rappers under-25 list and in 2019 they won an ARIA Music Award in the category of Best Soul/R&B Release for “Miss Shiney" (a personal fave tbh).

You can find their music on all streaming services and follow them on Insta at @kaiit_isshe.

Always was, always will be.

Happy NAIDOC week!

Header Image: Facebook (@ziggyramo and @kaiit)