Powerful Concert Brings Attention to Indigenous Incarceration Crisis
In a remarkable display of talent and activism, BIG hART, an organization dedicated to creating community-based art, brought together a captivating concert, documentary film, and campaign to shed light on the alarming overrepresentation of young Indigenous people in Western Australian (WA) jails. The event, titled Songs for Freedom, emerged from Roebourne, a remote town located 1500 kilometers north of Perth in the Pilbara district.
The driving force behind this project was the tragic death of 16-year-old John Pat in Roebourne Jail 40 years ago, which sparked a series of inquiries into the issue of deaths in custody over the decades that followed. Several members of the Pat family have joined the touring ensemble, making their involvement even more powerful and personal.
The heart of the concert is an album released earlier this year by the Freedom Collective, a group led by pedal steel guitar player Lucky Oceans. The ensemble includes a rotating cast of talented singers predominantly from the Pilbara and Kimberly regions of WA. On stage, Oceans is accompanied by David Hyams on electric guitar, acoustic rhythm guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, and percussion. The band members positioned themselves across the stage, while a multi-generational group of women from the Roebourne community formed the chorus, perched on a couch at one side.
The songs featured in the concert were composed by local country singers Fred Ryan and John Bennett, keyboard player Jay Jerome, MC Patrick Churnside from Roebourne, and the rhythm guitarist, as well as several elder women. Emma Donovan and Kutcha Edwards, acclaimed guests, also lent their voices to the performance. The highlight of the evening was a blues shuffle song performed by one of the elder women, which had the audience on their feet, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
The production of the concert, along with the quality of the songs, was truly exceptional. Carefully crafted in a country style, the collection of songs showcased impressive artistry and creativity, with not a single weak track in sight. The arrangements were thoughtfully considered, and the band delivered exceptional performances throughout.
This emotional and unforgettable evening of music serves as a reminder of the immense talent and resilience present within Indigenous communities. As the new artistic team at the National Folk Festival plans for next year, it would be wise to consider including this show in their lineup. The impact and significance of Songs for Freedom make it a surefire hit that deserves wider recognition.
In addressing the Indigenous incarceration crisis in WA, the concert sparks conversations about the urgent need for change within the criminal justice system. By amplifying the voices of those affected by these issues, BIG hART’s Songs for Freedom brings attention to the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. The power of music as a vehicle for social change is evident in this extraordinary concert, leaving a lasting impact on all who witness it.
