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Emma Donovan

Emma Donovan (born 1981) is an Aboriginal Australian singer and songwriter. She is a member of the renowned musical Donovan family. She started her singing career at age seven with her uncle's band, the Donovans. In 2000, she became a founding member of Stiff Gins, leaving the band three years later to release the solo album Changes in 2004. She performs with the Black Arm Band and released a solo EP, Ngaaraanga, in 2009.She has been nominated for multiple Deadly Awards including Female Artist of the Year, and performed at the opening of the 2004 Olympic Torch Relay. She won Best Female Artist at the 2009 BUMP Awards. Donovan appeared in the ABC series Dynasties in 2004, and was the subject of the 2005 SBS TV documentary Emma Donovan: Gumbainggir Lady.Donovan has sung with and performed with Indigenous Australian musicians such as Frank Yamma, her cousin Casey Donovan, Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, Kerriane Cox, Christine Anu, Tiddas, Yothu Yindi and Jimmy Little. She has also performed with Paul Kelly, Ursula Yovich, and Shellie Morris.

Albums

2014 Dawn
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News / Festivals
Mount Kimbie DJ Set @ Arrival Festival
New Festival Porch And Recreation Announced
The inaugural festival will feature the likes of Mount Kimbie, Surprise Chef, Grace Cummings, and more.
Features / Interviews
Emma Donovan, Paul Grabowsky
Emma Donovan Draws Strength From Keeping Her Grandfather’s Legacy Alive In ‘The Old Rugged Cross’
According to Emma Donovan, Paul Grabowsky – her collaborator on 'The Old Rugged Cross' show – “hears this whole other world” while arranging music.
News / Music
Emma Donovan
'Last Night: Blak Day Out' Detailed For Open Season 2024
The free, all-ages street party will feature performances from Emma Donovan, 3% and more.
News / Music
Emma Donovan
Emma Donovan Slams Perth Taxi Drivers Over Alleged Racism: ‘I Am Absolutely Fuming’
Perth Airport has responded to Donovan’s post, declaring, “There is no place for racism in our society.”
Features / List
Regurgitator's Pogogo Show, Teeny Tiny Stevies, Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan
Eight Adult-Friendly Kids Albums: Regurgitator, Emma Donovan, Dan Sultan & More
Fart jokes, life lessons, sustainable living tips, rave anthems and lullabies – these are the eight kids’ albums we wish were around when we were little.
News / Festivals
Emma Donovan
Blak Day Out Postponed Due To Wild Weather: 'Tough Decision'
The postponed event starring Emma Donovan, 3%, Velvet Trip and more will now take place in August.
News / Music
Emma Donovan
‘First Night: Blak Day Out’ Announced For Open Season 2024
The lineup includes Emma Donovan, 3%, Velvet Trip, and more.
Reviews / Live
Emma Donovan
Live Review: Emma Donovan @ Frankston Arts Centre
Emma Donovan is an exceptional talent and is only just starting to unleash her full solo potential.
Features / Music
Australian Music Is Bloody Great: Emma Donovan
Emma gets excited about some great Australian artists.
Features / Music
Emma Donovan
Emma Donovan: ‘I Wanna Celebrate My Songs And My Stories Now’
Stepping out of The Putbacks’ “funk-soul bubble”, Emma Donovan hopes to “get street cred from all the uncles and the mob” through the release of her stunning new solo record ’Til My Song Is Done’, which pays tribute to her country heritage.
Features / Music
Kee'ahn & Emma Donovan Interview Each Other
The pair chat about The Archie Roach Foundation’s mentoring experience helping emerging First Nations artists, Singing Our Futures.
Features / Music
‘The Hardest Part Of The Gig’: Breaking Down ‘Mum Guilt’ In Artists
We check in with two musician mums – Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji soul queen Emma Donovan, a single mum, and self-managed Melbourne art-pop singer-songwriter Georgia Fields, founder of the Mother Lode website, which shares resources to help mothers maintain sustainable careers in the arts – to discuss how we can help more women keep doing what they love doing creatively and pursuing their dreams within motherhood.