The 9pm fireworks show at Sydney New Year’s Eve will shine a light on the adversities and enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Titled Calling Country, the presentation has been created by Indigenous social enterprise, We Are Warriors. The organisation’s mission is to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
For this year’s display, the group enlisted multiple creators to produce music, visual art and performances that celebrate Indigenous cultures.
Nooky and 3%
Yuin artist, rapper, Triple J radio host and We Are Warriors founder, Nooky stands as a pivotal figure in the Australian music scene. Nooky will take his hip-hop artistry to the ABC live stage, where he will be joined by Noongar rapper Dallas Woods and Gumbaynggirr singer Angus Field, fellow members of the hip-hop collective 3%.
Referring to themselves as warriors and talking about their responsibilities as leaders, the trio are known for their direct style of music with themes of racial inequality, black family life, depression, anxiety, fatherhood and fighting for their stolen land.
Vincent Goodyer
Better known as 18YOMAN, the proud Bunuba man is a producer, composer, songwriter, instrumentalist and artist, based in Sydney. 18YOMAN specialises in bespoke instrumentals, intricate sound beds and compositions.
At 9pm, a mesmerising fireworks display will synchronize with an original soundtrack. The Aria Award winner and Grammy nominee co-produced the soundtrack with Nooky, bringing an anthemic hip hop sound to the harbour with elements of traditional First Nations audio weaved throughout.
Janelle Burger
Janelle Burger, an illustrator based in Paris, is influenced by pop culture, fashion and video games when creating her captivating designs. Her artwork has graced the pages of notable publications such as InStyle magazine, Frankie and Nala.
Burger has created bespoke illustrations of iconic First Nations figures including Cathy Freeman, Barkaa, Anita Heiss, Adam Goodes and Patty Mills, which will be integrated with the We Are Warriors creative for the Calling Country pylon projections on the harbour bridge.
Jada Weazel
Hailing from Woorabinda, central Queensland, R&B/soul artist Jada Weazel creates music rich in depth, introspection and charisma. Weazel will join the 3% trio for a special performance of the track Our People during the ABC live show.
Learn more about We Are Warriors and its work to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
Published 15 December 2023
