Fred Leone To Perform At Free Brisbane Show Amplifying First Nations Voices

Next Saturday, October 14, will mark a pivotal moment in Australian history, being the day we come together and vote on a referendum proposing an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Should the bid be successful, the Constitution will be changed to recognise First Nations peoples by establishing a Parliamentary advisory body (the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice).

In the lead-up, some of Australia’s best and brightest artists will convene in Meanjin/Brisbane this Saturday (October 7), performing a free concert to promote the campaign for the ‘Yes’ vote. Running from 10am to 6pm in Brisbane Showgrounds’ main arena, the Reconciliation Queensland-hosted show – dubbed We Are One and billed as a “family fun day welcoming all communities” – will feature a full program of live music, dance performances, arts and craft activities, drum workshops, market stalls and food trucks.

The full music lineup is yet to be announced, but thus far we know of 14 acts set to take the stage, including Fred Leone, Tai’tuga, Nix, DJ Amit, Aunty Dora and The Red Dirt Band, Aunty Sandra King, Tichawona Noble and Joe Geia. The full lineup can be seen below.

READ MORE: Fred Leone Shares Debut Single 'Yirimi Gundir' After Dreamtime At The G Performance

In a press statement, Reconciliation Queensland CEO Erin Lang said his organisation is “both honoured and thrilled to collaborate with esteemed partners such as the Quandamooka Festival, Queensland Community Alliance, Uluru Statement from the Heart, and many more”. He added: “This Saturday's event serves as a unique occasion to unite all of us and celebrate the embodiment of genuine reconciliation in our country.

“This past year has marked a monumental milestone for the reconciliation movement and witnessing our communities coming together has been truly inspirational. As we approach the final stages of the upcoming referendum scheduled for October 14th, 2023, we take immense pride in the collective effort put forth to ensure that every individual has had the opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions about the merits of this pivotal vote.

“It is incredibly heartwarming to witness the unwavering support and unity of Australia's multicultural community standing in solidarity with us. This Saturday, we eagerly anticipate the chance to spotlight the richness of our diverse cultures and commemorate the beauty of our differences.”

Sharing the excitement was Geia, who is eager to perform in support of his mob and all of those around the country. He said: “As an Indigenous songwriter I have always tried to write songs that tell our story harmoniously and melodically to bring a deeper understanding of our lives. A vote gives us the opportunity to have a voice in decisions that affect our communities. Let's walk together so our children can be free.”

Also geed up to perform is Taitu’uga, whose appearance on the lineup comes in an effort to “encourage sharing and building understanding between all communities”. He added to the dialogue: “It is important that all communities know they can be a part of supporting our First Nations brothers and sisters voices through this referendum.We all now call this country home and we need all voices heard not just by Government, but at a grass roots level.”

Walters Nkemfack, a community organiser with the QLD Community Alliance, weighed in by saying, “We are bringing together multicultural communities, churches, mosques, unions, and community organisations to support First Nations people and say YES to listening to them. QLD Community Alliance is proud to be part of an inspiring day of cultural celebration, connection and advocacy.”

And lastly, an unnamed representative for the Quanadamooka Festival vouched that their event “brings together all cultures to connect, unite and celebrate”, so they’re “delighted” to link up with Reconciliation Queensland “to showcase our Quandamooka and other multicultural artists, and support a First Nations Voice in the Constitution”.

WE ARE ONE

LINEUP

Joe Geia (and band)
Fred Leone
Tai’tuga
Marcello Milani
Waveney Yasso
Nix
Aunty Sandra King
Tichawona Noble
DJ Amit
Aunty Dora and The Red Dirt Band
The PNG/West Papauan Drummers
Mzaza
Dheeraj Shesthra
Sudha Manian

Plus more to be announced

Saturday October 7 – Meanjin/Brisbane, Showgrounds
Head here for more info