Proudly Gamilaraay, First Nations artist Mitch Tambo has released an upbeat anthem sung in the Gamilaraay language titled ‘LOVE’ – a song with a message of unity.
Keeping his language and culture alive through the act of song, Mitch Tambo uses his creative output as a tool; promoting unity, understanding, and harmony with his most recent release, ‘LOVE’.
From being a social worker for a number of years, to being co-founder of True Culture, Mitch Tambo’s constant dedication and connection to the community he works in is clearly evident in his focus to unite people through Aboriginal culture.
In the music world, Tambo released his beautiful debut EP Guurrama-Li in 2016, and has continued to bring the country together through his handful of singles released over the years, while also making waves by closing out February’s Fire Fight Australia benefit concert by accompanying John Farnham, Olivia Newton-John, and Queen’s Brian May performing ‘You’re The Voice’.
Check out Mitch Tambo featuring at Fire Fight Australia:
Written prior to the current coronavirus pandemic, Tambo speaks about the process of writing ‘LOVE’ while simply being home, and feeling the love that his own country brings him.
“I wrote ‘LOVE’ on my way back to suburbia after being on my country and feeling the unconditional love that I feel when I’m there,” he detailed.
“‘LOVE’ is about that one particular space we go to as humans to find love and healing, where our hearts are broken open and set free with love. For some it’s going to the footy with the family, others could be sitting on a headland watching the waves roll in.
“For me, it’s being back out in the bush on my country hearing the cockatoos sing at sunset, watching the stars light the sky with ancient stories and being lost in the dance of the camp fire.”
In a current time where hatred and racism are being fought hard against, Tambo’s new track ‘LOVE’ is more relevant than ever, with the message of uniting without prejudice shining through.
“Within this current climate, we find ourselves in isolation craving for many of the things we love in this world. ‘LOVE’ is a reminder to reach deep down within, heal and set our spirits free with love, healing and hope for a better tomorrow,” Tambo explained.
“If we can use this time to work on loving ourselves better and loving others better when this is all over, we will be ready to move forward as a collective like never before.”
Check out Mitch Tambo’s ‘LOVE’:
With the current political climate across the globe ever-mounting following the revived Black Lives Matter movement among a sea violence against both Aboriginal and African American people, Mitch Tambo has offered his thoughts on the Black Lives Matter movement, noting that “it’s apparent there’s a broad range of people that may be experiencing a multitude of different emotions.”
With the current movement stirring thoughts around the globe, Tambo notes that to change the future, you need to be the change, and begin with unlearning racism:
“If you stand for equality and are wondering what you can do to be part of change for a better future, you could begin by dropping any barriers, guards or walls that surround you – be they learnt behaviours, things you were taught as a child, things you’ve seen in the media or anything that’s influenced you to think in a certain way.”
Another way he offers is educating yourself about Aboriginal culture, and talk to members of the community to gain a better understanding. “You can open your heart, spirit and mind and begin a journey to learn more about the First Nations people of your area and broaden your empathy and education around Aboriginal culture and history,” Tambo expressed.
“In many communities and regions there are local Aboriginal land councils, community group centres, elders, members of the community and online platforms that you can use to educate yourself and start your journey.
“While I could recommend charities and groups that do amazing work, I encourage you to do your own research and background checks to align with organisations, charities, etc that are authentic to you and the changes you personally want to make.”
