Keep The Fire Burning

Experience two acclaimed First Nations artists at the forefront of contemporary hip-hop and RnB, as they light up the stage at Araluen Arts Centre.

^{By Betty Sweetlove}

KEEP THE FIRE Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud is the 2024 NAIDOC Week theme, amplified this month in an electrifying concert free for the whole community. 

Jacob Ridgeway (Worimi/Gamilaroi) and Mr Rhodes (Bundjalung/Yaegl) are both boundary-pushing First Nations artists hailing from NSW, whose music celebrates stories of social justice, identity, and resistance. 

Ignited by his childhood passion for RnB and country music, Jacob Ridgeway brings his vibrant signature sound to fire up the crowd. Ridgeway has been making waves and gaining national recognition ever since his National Indigenous Story Award-winning debut single ‘Bullyman’ hit the charts in 2018. 

Resonating deeply with his audiences, his latest single ‘I’m Not Coming Home’ explores a powerful journey of survival and staying true to his identity. 

Hip-hop fans rejoice as Mr Rhodes brings his powerhouse talent to Mparntwe, in celebration of the rich cultural history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

One of the founding members of Teddy Louis King, Mr Rhodes has a skillful, genre-crossing style, fusing electronic, hip-hop and soul in tracks that set the stage on fire. triple j listeners are in for a treat as he performs his energetic hit singles, including ‘Wonderous’ and ‘Can’t You Tell’. 

This one-off concert promises a powerful evening of recognition, truth telling and celebration. With both artists set to release new music in 2024, it’s the perfect time to ignite a new passion for cutting-edge contemporary music. 

Red hot tickets for this gig are bound to book out quick – our hit tip? Register online, stat.

Jacob Ridgeway and Mr Rhodes 
WHEN WED 10 JUL | 7PM 
AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE 
COST FREE 
INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

^{Photo: Jacob Ridgeway & Mr Rhodes by @Kase.Avila}