Wuigada is a dedicated space on the front page of the PBS 106.7FM website where First Nations musicians share and celebrate music made by other First Nations musicians with PBS audiences.
Wuigada was named and developed by the highly acclaimed indigenous singer songwriter, Kutcha Edwards. Wuigada in Mutti Mutti means 'to sing'.
For this edition of Wuigada we spoke with proud Noongar Wongi rapper from Boorloo (Perth), Flewnt.
Flewnt burst onto the scene in 2018 with ‘Kya Kyana’, a roaring Noongar anthem and tribute to the strong history of his family, culture, and people. ‘Kya Kyana’ is a nod to the past while striving towards a better future. His follow up track, ‘Black Boy’ feat. Emily Wurramara saw Flewnt connect on a more personal level reflecting not only his own family struggles, but a lived experience shared by many Indigenous youths today.
We caught up with Flewnt and asked him what he has been doing recently:
"My latest release is ‘Summertime Flow’, it is about being inspired, coming together with family, and connecting with mob. It’s a celebration of black joy!
"My next release will be a hard-hitting anthem titled ‘HELL NO’ featuring two hip hop legends (can't say who just yet) but speaking on very serious and real topics affecting mob and the truth about colonialism."
Flewnt’s dedication to truth-telling can in part be traced through his family's deep involvement with Aboriginal rights. His uncle, Robert Eggington, community activist and founder of the highly acclaimed Kyana festivals held in Perth during 1991-1993, has been a formative influence on Flewnt’s art and life. When we asked Flewnt to tell us about a song that has had a significant impact on him, it was little surprise that he chose ‘We Have Survived’.
"Coming from a staunch political family, I attended many rallies and protests as a young boy and one song that brings all those memories back and really gives me strength and pride is ‘We Have Survived’ by No Fixed Address. I can play that tune now and feel flooded with nostalgic feelings that remind me of my people’s resilience."
After not being able to leave WA for the past few years, Flewnt will finally be coming to the east coast soon, appearing at Strawberry Fields this October. And we can’t wait to see him live on stages in Victoria.
Here is Flewnt’s playlist of songs by Australian First Nations musicians for Wuigada:
*Please note there are names of deceased peoples in this list and some videos contain images of deceased persons.
Archie Roach - ‘Beggar Man’
JK-47 - ‘Recipe'
Beni Bjah - ‘Survivor’
Yazza - ‘How I Feel’
Razzy Mak - ‘Love Me’
Thelma Plum - ‘Homecoming Queen’
Bumpy - ‘Return Home’
Dylan Voller - ‘Always Was’
J-Milla - ‘Unlock the System’
Chris Phillips - ‘My People My People’
DRMNGNOW - ‘Get Back To The Land’
Listen to the Wuigada playlist in full via YouTube now.
Visit all the Wuigada stories, or check out: Dobby, Carissa Nyalu, Boox Kid, The Merindas, Harry Whaleboat, Monica Jasmine Karo, Robert K. Champion, Ray Dimakarri Dixon, BUMPY, King Stingray, Lance O'Chin, Izy, Alice Skye, Radical Son, Black Rock Band, Allara, Emma Donovan, Marlene Cummins, Benny Walker, Stiff Gins, Ripple Effect Band, Waveney Yasso, Sue Ray, Troy Jungaji Brady, Dave Arden, Shellie Morris, Deline Briscoe, L.J. Hill, Selwyn Burns, Roger Knox and Kutcha Edwards.
Artwork by Dixon Patten.
