From young to old, established or up and coming, these Indigenous artists have shed light on the true meaning of what January 26 means for them and their take on changing the date - a topic that is currently gripping the nation.
It seems that most people across the country don't want to change the date. A survey from the Institute of Public Affairs found more than 70 per cent of Australians believe the country should be proud of its history. But others argue that perhaps they don't know the extent of it and that white Australia has a black history.
It's only fitting that on this day that we hear the thoughts from some of Australia's most prominent and respected artists that use their musical talent as a vehicle for driving change and combatting Indigenous injustices.
Yirrmal, Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project
Source: NITV News
One of the most iconic songs in Australian history and now more than 25 years later, are pushing their messages across the country and ensuring their voices are being heard. Be it about Treaty or change the date - this group will continue to fight for Indigenous justice.
"Jan 26 is a very significant day where massacres and genocides happened for our mob here…When the Western Colonisation came in 1788 and stole the land. It’s a fair call for mob to call for a change the date. I don’t know what Jan 26 means, what do they celebrate, rivalry?".
"For us it is a significant day and what they are doing is threatening us again. This is a new year, change it, move it, make it happen. We are all human, we’ve got educated people now, we are not uneducated kids."
Briggs
Source: Supplied
Briggs is one of the top dogs in the hip hop world. His lyrics are ruthless, his tats are raw and his take on Australia Day is as brutal as they come. He spoke to NITV at , and has certainly made people think twice before proudly wearing a flag cape on January 26.
"It’s a white nationalist holiday. It’s about the expansion of the white race and the dehumanisation and genoicude of us. like whole heartedly that’s what the day represents. I don’t think people understand the actual tangible and reality of the conflict that day brings about."
"There’s nothing worse when that day comes around and it’s a real nice day. It shits ya because you don’t want to go outside because you’re going to be confronted by you know – flag caps."
Baker Boy
Baker Boy recently performed alongside his uncle, Witiyana Marika and cousin/music inspiration Yirrmal. Credit: Bryce Noakes Source: Bryce Noakes
"That day reminds Indigenous Australians about the day of the hurting, the loss of family and soldiers that fought for this land. It’s pretty sad to celebrate it. We want to celebrate Australia day as well but not on the day when it’s actually about what happened centuries back."
"If they could change the date, that means everyone in Australia could celebrate like a strong nation as one."
Trials
EXCLUSIVE: A. B. Original speak to NITV about what Australia Day really means to them as First Nations artists. Source: NITV News
"It’s the exclusion of the nation’s first people, the oldest living culture on the planet. I spend the day on the phone to Briggs, trying to figure out how we’re avoiding it every year. Blind patriotism, and that’s the thing."
"I can understand people who might not be educated on the matter, that’s why we [A. B. Original] wrote the song [January 26] in the way we did. In the most slap in the face this is what it means to us and anyone who still stands that way after hearing out song, that’s their issue that’s something they’ve got to deal with because they’re a dying race, they’re a dying breed, they’re gone."
Sampa The Great
Source: NITV News
NITV caught up with sultry songstress Sampa The Great, at - one of Australia's most diverse festivals on picturesque Darkinjung land, NSW Central coast. The Zambian born hip hop artist showcased her colourful culture, soulful music and her perspective of changing the date for Indigenous Australians.
"Who is really free, on the same day you came and killed the people of the land? How can you truly celebrate that and think that is right? I think it is very ignorant for you to be privileged and not give space in your head for people who are not. That is stupid."
"To continuously celebrate something that undermines people’s lives is very evil and I think it is something we need to talk about, heal from and have space enough to see that is wrong. That is what I think about it.
"So change the f***ing date."
Indigenoise
Benjamin Robinson Coedie McCarthy, Jannali Doncaster and Minjarrah Jarrett from Indigenoise, share their thoughts on Jan 26. Source: Laura Morelli
Jannali Doncaster: Survival, culture, invasion
Benjamin Robinson: Senselessness, detachment from suffering
Minjarrah Jarrett: First fleet arrival, genocide, survival day
Coedie McCarthy: Sorrow, confusion and anger
OKA
Source: NITV News
Standing strong in their Kulcha and keeping culture alive is something OKA have been doing for years. NITV caught up with the group at where they spoke about celebrating survival and educating the next generation on Australia's black history.
"Like most First Nations people I have never celebrated it. It doesn’t make sense, it’s not a sense of unity. It’s kind of like thanksgiving in North America. It’s like that celebration that has become a celebration over something horrific. Because we’re affected in it we know that pain first hand from generation to generation. You can’t celebrate trauma. You can’t celebrate when someone in your family has passed away on a day."
"People have been educated that that’s a day of celebrating unity when I think that’s all bull. I love that it’s a survival day I think it’s good to celebrate keeping culture alive by just being here and I think the resistance is not getting caught up in a fight but celebrating culture we have. It’s an important day to educate people."
Tasman Keith
Source: Barbra McGrady/NITV
"It should be changed to show that Australia recognises what has happened, acknowledges history in the right way, shows respect and can prove that this country is ready for some sort of change, even if it only begins with a date."
Philly
Source: NITV News
"January 26 is a day to remember, mourn and celebrate the fact that we still exist. Changing the date is another piece to the puzzle to help conversations lead to bigger things like Treaty. I know people think we should focus on more important things in Indigenouds affairs, but this is a step forward. These conversations inspire change and help people become aware of what happened past, present and future."
