If there’s a First Nations hip-hop artist the majority of Australians know, it’s Briggs.
And if there’s any musician advocating for the Aboriginal community that most Australians look up to, it’s definitely Briggs, too.
Now & Forever, featuring an impressive line-up of local talent is another one of the rapper’s creative initiatives aimed at bringing the nation together. So allow me to tell you today why and how he’s doing it.
PART 162 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE
Famous artists have been organising gigs and festivals to draw attention to a societal debate or to back up a particular movement for at least half a century. Remember Bob Geldof’s epic ‘Live Aid’ from 1985 to raise funds for famine-stricken Ethiopia? Or the ‘Stop The Drop’ concert held in 1983 in Melbourne to support the campaign for nuclear disarmament?
Music has this superpower to raise awareness of many neglected issues. But to help you understand why the Now & Forever gathering is significant in Australia’s modern history, I need to start with something I rarely cover on this blog: politics.
In May 2022, Anthony Albanese, the Leader of the Labour Party, was proclaimed Prime Minister of Australia. One of the first acts he committed to assuming office was organising a referendum to include Indigenous Peoples’ Voice in the Country’s Constitution. Back then, it was just a pledge given at a victory speech. And anybody who follows politics knows what that usually means.
But the Australian Government has followed through on that promise. In January 2023, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, announced the introduction of a First Nations Voice to Parliament.
In a nutshell, this means there should be a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Voice, advising the Australian Parliament and Government on issues that relate to the social, spiritual and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples.
The Voice would also be consulted by the Government on matters that overwhelmingly affect First Nations Peoples. They include land rights, employment, housing, social programs, the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) or environmental protections.
Indigenous People’s rightful place in Australia and their recognition as traditional custodians should have never been ignored or neglected in Parliament in the first place. The past cannot be undone, however. What Australia can do going forward is try to rectify this unjust omission for the future.
The implications of the proposed new law are a bit more complex. They require altering the wording of the current Australian Constitution. So, the change must be put to a referendum by the public. The date for the vote is now set to 14 October 2023.
As often happens in such delicate matters, there are groups advocating for and against this idea. Opinions are split even among Indigenous Australians. Should they vote “Yes” or “No” to the establishment of the Voice.
Among First Nations leaders opposing the idea, in general, is Lidia Thorpe. This independent Senator from Victoria claims the Referendum has backfired on the country already, making Australia “more “racist” in the process.
On the other side of the spectrum is Adam Briggs (aka Briggs). The Melbourne-based hip-hop artist is known for being a fierce activist for the First Nations matters in Australia. The musician’s primary argument, in this case, is that “We’re already living in a ‘No’.”
Apart from his great publicity skills, music is what Briggs does even better. So the idea for Now & Forever is his way of. supporting the campaign in favour of the Referendum and the “Yes” vote.
“I’m still that kid from Shep”, Briggs told me when I interviewed him four years ago. “Shep” is Shepparton, the musician’s hometown. While it might not be the usual festival destination, the event will take place there on 6 October. And it’s just one of the things that set it apart from some other campaign ideas.
In a social media post announcing the initiative, the rapper said:
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to write our future together, and the artists on the bill have signed up for that. This is about celebration, inclusivity, solidarity, positivity and listening, as much as it is about a voice. In that spirit, everyone is welcome to the show – even the undecided voters. So come join me and my friends on Yorta-Yorta country!”
‘Don’t know? Come to the show!’, the festival’s promotional tagline, amplifies that message, too.
To attract different audiences, Briggs has invited several other iconic Australian artists. Amongst others, his mates from Hilltop Hoods, the beloved rocker Jimmy Barnes, the unapologetic First Nations female rapper BARKAA, and the thought-provoking songwriter Mo’Ju have all agreed to perform at the show.
According to Briggs, “It was about me asking my mates if they would stand in solidarity with Blackfullas.” It all started with Paul Kelly and snowballed from there.
The Shepparton native will appear as part of the A.B. Original duo alongside his bandmate, Trials. Rumour has it there’ll be some rad collaborations at the all-day, all-ages event, too.
The fact that major Australian music companies are throwing their support behind the project is also a unique factor here. Apart from Briggs’ venture, Bad Apples Music, and the Dungala Kaiela Foundation, giants like Live Nation, TEG Live, Mushroom, and Frontier Touring have come together to stage the event.
Live Nation’s CEO, Evelyn Richardson, summarised her company’s participation in the initiative in the following statement: “On behalf of our live music and entertainment industry, we’re proud to stand alongside our artists who are stepping up and speaking out in support of Yes and the opportunity for Australians to come together to recognise our First Nations people, to listen, and walk together to create a better future.”
And if that’s not enough novelty, ticket prices are set to a level that makes them affordable to everyone, at just over AUD 20. When I’m typing this, they’re still available here. But I’m sure they soon won’t be.
But wait, there’s still more news to report. All proceeds from ticket sales are going to noble causes. Because Briggs is also about giving back “to local and national charities doing good work.”
To summarise, by publishing this post, I don’t intend to swing any votes in any particular way. As a foreigner, I’m well aware it’s not up to me to lecture anybody on matters directly affecting the First Nations of Australia. So the only thing I’ll say to the Australians voting in the Referendum is this: listen to both sides with an open mind.
I haven’t seen any music events held by the “No” advocates. So if you’re still in doubt, Now & Forever at least gives you a unique opportunity to listen to awesome home-grown artists and their arguments supporting the “Yes” campaign. And then you can make up your mind.
[Update 14 October 2023]
Australia has voted “No” in the referendum, rejecting the change in the Constitution. More here.
Cover image: Mushroom Creative House
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