Mentees 2022/2023
KIWAT KENNELL
Nation: Torres Strait Islander
Kiwat Kennell is a student of life, his gift for musicality a conduit for his own existence. Broken-hearted yearnings and triumphant awakenings permeate the melting pot of song writing that Kiwat continues to find himself within. In Kiwat’s music you will hear stories told in a genre-blending kaleidoscope of sounds, using past experiences of strength, courage and healing to create an expansive array of musical expression.
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Photo by: Jacinta Keefe Photography
Location: Aviary Recording Studios
MAYLENE YINARR
Nations: Kamilaroi and Djungan
Maylene is a singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Victoria on Kulin lands. Maylene writes to inspire conversations about identity and vulnerability. Her soft ballads are haunting, uplifting and thoughtprovoking. Maylene is part of the Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, Kuku Djungan, and Gangalidda Aboriginal nations. Maylene is a proud activist for Aboriginal self-determination, listening for the sounds of the land and the universe.
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Photo by: Jacinta Keefe Photography
Location: Aviary Recording Studios
MADI COLVILLE-WALKER
Nation: Yorta Yorta
Madi Colville Walker is a proud Yorta Yorta Woman, an inspiring musician who has had many opportunities after her very first performance at the CMAA Junior Academy back in 2017. Madi has since performed at events throughout Victoria and NSW and opened for many well-known artists such as Archie Roach, Fanny Lumsden, Kutcha Edwards and Darlinghurst.
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Photo by: Jacinta Keefe Photography
Location: Aviary Recording Studios
RIDZYRAY
Nation: Wemba Wemba
Writing and producing all his own music, Wemba Wemba rapper Ridzyray is a talented artist who effortlessly incorporates various styles of music into his work while maintaining an authentic sound all to his own. His contagious energy onstage is playful and exhilarating. Combine that with a slick delivery and you won't be disappointed seeing Ridzyray in the flesh.
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Photo by: Jacinta Keefe Photography
Location: Aviary Recording Studios
KEE'AHN
Nations: Yalanji, Jirrbal, Badu islander
With a name coming from the Wik people, meaning to dance, to sing, to play, Kee’ahn aims to honour their name and Ancestors through their soulful music that weaves lush melodies and words reminiscent of heartbreak and healing. Kee’ahn released their debut single ‘Better Things’ on May 28, 2020. Kee’ahn was awarded the Archie Roach Foundation Award at the 2020 National Indigenous Music Awards.
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Photo by: Jacinta Keefe Photography
Location: Aviary Recording Studios