First Nations star visits Springwood
After dazzling audiences as a finalist on the television show Australia’s Got Talent in 2019, and performing on stages around the world, First Nations artist Mitch Tambo is spreading the magic of music and storytelling.
Visiting Springwood on his national Walaanba Youth Tour recently, Mitch explained how the tour is an extension of what he considers to be his ‘soul work’ – performing out of a love for culture to inspire the next generation.
‘At the end of last year, my team asked me what I wanted to do next,’ Mitch says.
‘We’ve played on some of the most innovative stages in the world, in front of 80,000 people and things like that – but if we’re not giving back to the next generation, are we really fulfilling our purpose?’
‘So they put the feelers out there and here we are.’
Since March, Mitch has been tackling subjects such as identity, healing and cultural connection at schools and youth hubs.
It’s been a whirlwind of a year for the Gamilaraay artist so far, with his latest album Tambo Jamz Vol 1. topping the iTunes World Music Charts in July and more than 100 performances scheduled as part of the youth tour.
Bask Early Learning Springwood’s director Danii McGrath immediately reached out to Mitch’s team when the tour was announced.
‘We feel so incredibly lucky that we had the opportunity to spend time learning with him,’ Danii says of his visit to the centre on 19 August.
Mitch brought the entire Springwood audience to their feet, with his command of the didgeridoo and a high-energy suite of songs – including a delighted toddler who was still learning to stand on his own.
Part of his repertoire includes didgeridoo renditions of classic songs.
During Mitch’s second set with an older audience, students sang, danced and clapped while learning about Indigenous culture and language.
‘At the childcare level, it’s about creating a positive memory and association with Indigenous culture,’ he says.
‘At the secondary level and beyond, it’s about cultural exchange. I party hard with the kids and it’s a beautiful experience to have them singing and screaming back to me in my language.
‘It’s heartening to see schools eagerly embracing this initiative because we need to challenge existing mindsets in the next generation that will go on to do what we can’t even imagine.’
His performances also include a yarning circle session, where young people are encouraged to ask questions and share their own experiences.
Mitch hopes that in sharing his own journey as an Indigenous man, others are inspired to embrace and preserve their own culture.
‘The overarching message of the tour is that we just need to love and accept one another, regardless of race, religious, gender or sexuality,’ he says.
‘We’re not all little muffins in a muffin tray, we’re all beautifully made and unique.’
Fans can also look forward to a new Mitch Tambo song to be released sometime in September, followed by a new album in 2025.
‘I’m all about breaking outside the box and doing my best to spread the message that Indigenous music and culture is world-class,’ he says.
‘To have the last album be picked up by Rolling Stone online and having it get to number one, it’s all been a real blessing.
‘If you want to be an artist, don’t lose sight of who you are. You’ve got to stay true to you – create your own sound, let it take off and grow.’
Get the latest updates on the official Mitch Tambo Facebook page.
