By Tanya Steele
Upwey Primary School nearly had the roof pop off during the week as students were paid a visit by Australian music star Mitch Tambo.
The kids rocked out at the high-energy concert that had everyone on their feet sharing pop and rap music all before the first bell for recess.
A proud Gamilaraay man, Mitch is currently touring Australia for his Walanbaa Youth Tour which kicked off in February this year.
The mid-morning school concert was delivered primarily in the First Nations language and allowed kids to let their hair down, dance, sing and learn at the same time.
“The kids are all singing back to you – languages and cultures don’t have to be decided, defined and put in boxes and ostracised,” said Mitch.
“The kids are there for everyone to celebrate and learn, we live in a country that’s so multicultural and diverse and everyone has a place to celebrate who they are,” he said.
“We should be doing that more.”
The Upwey South kids got a taste of several of Mitch’s hits including Dreamtime Princess and his First Nations version of the iconic John Farnham anthem, You’re The Voice.
Upwey South Performing Arts Teacher Penelope Lang said that music is a powerful way to bring people together and a beautiful vehicle for story telling.
“Mitch had over 300 kids jumping in the air pumping their fists and singing in his Gamilaraay language -that’s magic,” she said.
“We will remember this day for a very long time.”
Mitch said that so far the experiences touring for the school concerts have ranged from some really in-depth profound moments with kids opening up and talking and also had some extreme party moments.
“It’s been wild,” he said.
“I’ve been trampled and even had a split lip before.”
Mitch said he has been performing in a range of spaces from high schools, preschools, staff development, principal conferencing, health and wellness, conferencing.
“We’re doing a whole plethora of things in the educational space,” he said.
Mitch had an amazing stage presence and cracked jokes with the students between songs, playing an animal guessing game with the yidaki (didgeridoo) which had the audience peeling with laughter.
“Working with kids is such beautiful purposeful work. It’s almost like soul food,” said Mitch.
“Culture is universal and it’s not locational – it’s forever flowing,” he said.
Ms Lang said that she met Mitch last year at a NAIDOC event and found him inspirational to listen to.
“I have been following his music ever since,” she said.
Hailed as one of Australia’s most unique entertainers, Mitch Tambo has earned global acclaim for his body of work.
This includes 10 consecutive Top 10 singles on the Australian iTunes Worldwide charts, as well as charts across the world. He has also thrilled with many electrifying performances at events such as the Australian Open, T20 and the historic Fire Fight Australia Concert with his rendition of ‘You’re the Voice’.
Mitch joined 3MDR presenter Peej on the ‘The Imaginary Friends Show’ and Community Ngulu presenter Nelson from Yarra Valley FM ahead of his performance.
The trio talked about challenges for the youth today and the importance of how music, performance and learning about one another can create safe, unique spaces.
“Rather than talking about fortnight or Roblox and all these things, actually learning about one another through the celebration of my culture, my language and music – it’s opening up the conversation and having just an actual human exchange that’s gone a little bit deeper,” said Mitch.
The special episode is available on the 3MDR website for all to listen to.
A number of the primary school students were invited to a yarning circle after the concert and there Mitch shared stories about his family, culture, career
“He answered a multitude of questions with warmth and authenticity and was incredibly generous with his time,” said Ms Lang.
Mitch said the concerts are a way to give back to the young people in the community.
“You don’t realise how much some of them are facing. And I think it’s just really important to celebrate them,” he said.
Drawing from his experience as a social worker, Mitch has been open on the tour, sharing stories about his life and how he got to where he is today – a world acclaimed music artist and family man.
“I’m thrilled at the interest shown by schools across Australia – from some of the biggest city schools to small regional schools, everyone has been so enthusiastic,” he said.
Mitch will perform at more than 100 dates over eight months throughout NSW, Victoria, Queensland, ACT, and WA, with additional dates planned.
“The students have such a fun time, they are so pumped dancing and singing along to the songs, and really have embraced the messages, it’s a really joyful atmosphere,” Mitch said.
