First Nations queen of rap Barkaa is set to drop a powerful new single that addresses the issue of out-of-home care.
The Malyangapa / Barkindji woman will release Fight for Me after 6pm on Thursday.
A creation close to the rapper’s heart, Fight for Me talks about the realities of the out-of-home care system for young Aboriginal people and shares Barkaa’s personal story alongside the story of her mother and her children.
Taking to Instagram, Barkaa described how tough it was to write.
Barkaa with her mother and daughter on the set of Blak Matriarch. Source: Supplied
“This has to be one of the most hardest, emotional and heart-breaking tracks I’ve ever had to write,” she wrote.
“I really can’t wait to share this part of me with you all, although the track isn’t something that’s light-hearted or easy to digest, it’s real, it’s raw and it’s a subject that needs to be touched on.
“I hope all those babies who are in state wards, who have parents in addiction, and who are in foster homes never forget their worth and never personalise something that had nothing to with how beautiful, amazing and worthy they are.”
In announcing the release, Barkaa acknowledged the role of her children in her journey.
“I can’t thank my firstborn baby Alinta-Jade for being with me through it all, taking my hand, holding me up and being the matriarchal warrior that she is,” wrote Barkaa.
“Without her and my beautiful sons, I wouldn’t be the woman I am. And I’m so thankful for the family I have, our kinship and my will to recover and survive for them.”
Featuring a powerful custom cover by Wiradjuri, Ngiyampaa artists Charlotte Allingham aka CoffinBirth, Fight for Me weaves together Barkaa’s iconic staunch truth-telling rap style and the sweet sounds of electronic pop.
“So thankful to Electric Fields for being a part of something so personal to me, portraying both mine, my children’s and my mum’s stories,” wrote Barkaa.
“Highlighting the silent voices of our children who are in foster care. Our babies belong with us.
“Home is where the heart is, our babies are our homes and I’m so blessed that I made it back home. Let’s bring them home.”
Fight for Me is Barkaa’s first release since dropping her debut EP Blak Matriarchy, a homage to Blak women, in December last year.
The track premieres on triple j between 6 and 7pm tonight, with Barkaa set to livestream on YouTube shortly after to debrief about the track and yarn with listeners.
