The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has announced the world premiere of Warriors, a contemporary music event celebrating First Nations artists, set to take place in the Concert Hall on Wednesday, 31 July as part of their annual Clancestry Festival. The event will showcase four prominent First Nations musical acts: Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, J-MILLA, JUNGAJI, and Radical Son – each complementing their music and visual recordings with their own personal journeys with mental health.
The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, known for their energetic funk style, is led by Yolngu elder Andrew Gurruwiwi, who crafts music in his native Yolngu Matha language. J-MILLA, a rapper with ties to the Marranungu people, emphasises the unifying power of music and its role in storytelling. JUNGAJI, formerly known as Troy Brady, brings a blend of R&B and soul infused with his cultural heritage, while Radical Son, a Kamilaroi man of Tongan descent, combines elements of hip-hop and soul to convey powerful messages.
Statements from those behind each of the acts can be found below:
Warriors is a special thing to be invited to take part in; to be side-by-side with other fierce First Nations musicians, in such a beautiful space like QPAC. We’re excited to be there, to share our story, to support one another and show our respect to all the First Nations people in this country. There’s something special about music, how it can make Yolŋu (people) feel happy. It has the power to connect and to fill people’s hearts with the stories the music carries.
Andrew Gurruwiwi,
Music is medicine and for me is the best way to express my emotions. I love how much music connects people together. No matter what culture or colour, music will unite everyone as one. It’s amazing to share stories and learn from each other. I’m excited to share my music with a new audience and have the place pumping. Last year, I performed on the Mob Music Stage in Clancestry 2023, and I’m so excited to perform in the Concert Hall this time. It’ll be a whole different energy. I’m so honoured to be able to support mental health through music and share stories that many people can relate with.
J-MILLA
It’s a blessing to talk about mental health, the black dog. You know its impacts and how it affects our community, and it doesn’t discriminate. To sing about that on stage, to have the illuminating conversations and putting in place measures to ensure that the losses within our community are minimised – it’s a place of responsibility. I’m looking forward to sharing our stories at QPAC. It’s going to be sincere, it’s going to be honest, there’s going to be some tears, there’s going to be some laughs, there’s going to be some truth-telling exchanges and conversations, and I will be counting my sleeps leading up to when we all get together.
JUNGAJI
I really wanted to be part of this great showcase of artists. I believe men’s business is important today and that it has always been an essential part of Aboriginal culture.
David Leha (Radical Son)
Warriors aligns with the themes of Clancestry, a celebration of First Nations arts and culture now in its eleventh year, designed to foster community connection and cultural sharing. The Clancestry program will continue with additional events, including a performance by Bangarra Dance Theatre titled Horizon, scheduled from 8 to 17 August in the QPAC Playhouse. This marks Bangarra’s first mainstage cross-cultural collaboration, featuring Māori choreographer Moss Te Ururangi Patterson and Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown.
More performances and events for the 2024 Clancestry, which commences on Tuesday 30 July 2024, will be announced in the coming weeks. For statements from other stakeholders involved with Clancestry and Warriors, click across to the next page:
