Mitch Tambo is a global music star and huge advocate for Indigenous languages, who lives with his family in the West. Mitch is one of the legends appearing in this year’s Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival, along with Kate Ceberano and a raft of other local writers and content creators.
Mitch is a proud Gamilaraay man and is best known for his work blending traditional Indigenous sounds and language with contemporary beats and production. The multi-talented recording artist first stunned the nation when he performed a spine tingling First Nations version of the iconic John Farnham anthem, You’re The Voice on the 2019 Finale of Australia’s Got Talent.
You can’t help but feel the positive energy and good vibes that Mitch exudes. His live performances are full of colour both in his dress and traditional face painting adorned with feathers. He always encourages active participation, as well as learning about and enjoying Indigenous culture.
“The kids have such a fun time, they are so pumped dancing and singing along to the songs, it’s a really joyful atmosphere,” Mitch says.
As a former social worker, Mitch understands the importance of creating a safe space for open dialogue, and has recently been on tour to schools, learning centres and youth hubs, sharing personal anecdotes, and facilitating meaningful conversations and experiences to instill cultural pride and raise awareness about Indigenous culture.
“I’m very open about sharing challenges I’ve had in the past and talk about how I got to where I am today – a music artist and proud man with a wife and kids. I always say that my visits are safe spaces for important conversations.”
Being part of a big, loving, blended family with his wife Lele, a rising music star in her own right and originally a refugee from West Papua, is important to Mitch and has influenced his decision to record a children’s album with songs in-language.
The goal of the album is to inspire, educate, and empower through the universal language of music, plus at the event there will be storytelling along with anecdotes based on his own lived experiences.
Both Mitch and Lele are aware that they are role models, and their success will give encouragement to others wanting to make it on the international stage.
Lele adds, “Representing my people and culture is at the forefront of my music. I want Papuan and Melanesian young girls and women to see themselves in me and know they can achieve their dreams on the world stage.”
Check out My Island Home by Mitch Tambo, My Island Home (Ailan Ples Bilong Mi) by Voice of Lele, and My Island Home (West Papua Mix) on all music streaming services.
You can see Mitch Tambo as part of the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival on Saturday 22 March, 2-3 pm at Visy Cares Hub, 80B Harvester Road Sunshine.
The Festival runs from 13-22 March and all events are FREE. To explore the rest of the program and reserve your seats go to: brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/writersfestival
