Electric Fields vocalist, Zaachariaha Fielding's Aṉangu influence on their historic Eurovision debut is profound.
The title of their song to be performed, One Milkali (One Blood), is from the artwork titled ‘Milkali Kutju’ by Zaachariaha’s father, acclaimed contemporary artist Robert Fielding.
“One Milkali means ‘to know thyself’ and once you do that, don't hold on to that," says Fielding.
Rehearsals for Electric Fields Eurovision performance has revealed an entourage of talent Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU
"There's an opportunity to make it come from the four corners of the globe. It requires everyone to invest in this."
One Mikali (One Blood) is making history by bringing Yankunytjatjara language to the Eurovision stage and 162 million viewers worldwide.
Stage dressed in songlines
Off the back off winning the prestigious Wynne Prize in 2023 for his painting Inma, Zaachariaha is stamping Aṉangu on the Eurovision stage with his piece Paraulpi.
"The vibrant colours of the painting ‘Paraulpi’ symbolise the essence of "Milkali" - the blood, while the complex songlines depict the timeless journey of Aboriginal peoples across the land," says Fielding.
Paraulpi by Zaachariaha Fielding Credit: heyandy.com.au
"It's a beautiful portrayal of the sacred bond between generations, where grandparents pass down their wisdom, stories, and connection to Ngura, the homeland, to their grandchildren."
Painted at the end of 2023, Paraulpi is one of Zaachariaha’s favourite memories and one he often visits through both his work as a visual artist and as one half of Electric Fields.
Yidaki on the world stage
Zaachariahaa and Electric Fields producer and keyboardist Michael Ross will be joined on stage by a dream ensemble of esteemed talent comprised of vocalists Brendan Maclean, Alyson Joyce, and Simi Vuata, with Fred Leone on the Yidaki.
Dressed in traditional outfit, it is also the first time European audiences will see the traditional instrument on the world stage.
“To be able to bring this kuluru all the way across the other side of the globe and play with the family here from Electric Fields, it's really special,” said Leone.
Fred Leone will be painted up on stage with Electric Fields
“It's deadly though to bring the ancient, but also let everybody know, we're here right here with you and we're going forward into the future as a people and as a country.”
Having Aboriginal culture on the world stage, Leone hopes this will bring our country together and start conversations on reconciliation post the failed Voice to Parliament referendum.
“There's talk of reconciliation, but that's reconciliation in action, you know. It's just walking the walk rather than talking the talk.”
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will air in Australia from 8 – 12 May LIVE and in prime time on SBS and SBS On Demand.
