DIVING into music and storytelling, didgeridoo player, traditional indigenous dancer and singer Mitch Tambo performed at Toronto and Rathmines public schools on Thursday, September 19.
The proud Gamilaraay man is on the last leg of the Walanbaa Youth Tour, which is wrapping up in the Hunter before he heads to Newcastle to headline the New Annual Festival on Friday, September 27.
Lake Macquarie students got the chance to hear from Tambo on themes of belonging, identity and cultural connections while he performed songs in Gamilaraay language.
"We do a one-hour concert where we dive a little bit deeper into the messaging behind songs before breaking off into the Yarning Circle where we can talk about multiple different topics," he said.
He said the idea of the school visits was to give back to the next generation.
"I've been blessed to do some incredible things and play some of the most incredible shows and stadiums around the world, but if we're not giving back to the next generation, we aren't doing it justice," he said.
"It's all about sharing our experiences and how we got through certain obstacles growing up and through life."
There was nothing quite like the energy he received from performing for children who revelled in learning about Indigenous culture.
"You can't beat the energy of the next generation. There's something really pure and authentic about it," he said.
"One thing about kids is they don't lie. If they like it, they like it. If they don't, they'll tell you."
"It's really great to create a transparent situation where we can create a safe space for kids to drop their guards and be who they truly are."
Tambo also provided staff development workshops on the day.
"We talked about how to create a more inclusive environment for all different kids, from all different walks of life and go a bit deeper into our history as First Nations people," he said.
He said he was looking forward to releasing his new single - a reworking of the Tina Turner classic The Best - on September 27 in time for the NRL grand final week before performing at New Annual.
"New Annual will be the icing on the cake I'm really keen to be coming to do a festival in Newcastle and headline, and it's going to be amazing," he said.
