Jessica Mauboy Covers Yothu Yindi For 'Like A Version'

Expectations were already high when it was announced that Jessica Mauboy would grace the ABC studios for Like A Version this week, but she somehow still exceeded them.

For her triple j Like A Version performance, she delivered a stunning cover of World Turning by Yothu Yindi.

• Jessica Mauboy: 'I Want To Give Stories & Experiences. Most Of All, I Want To Empower'

Teaming up with rapper BARKAA, the pair—joined by a live band and backing singers—slowed the song down and provided a fresh spin on the funky classic, with keyboards and a rap verse from BARKAA.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by triple j (@triple_j)

Of course, there are moments during the performance where Mauboy showcases otherworldly vocals, her inimitable rasp placed in all the right moments. She sings beautifully, paying tribute to the iconic Yothu Yindi for her Like A Version, unveiled during NAIDOC Week.

In her interview about why she chose World Turning, Mauboy reflected on hearing the song during her childhood, not understanding the song’s meaning at the time, but now knowing how important it is. She also outlined Yothu Yindi’s influence on her life and how they inspired her.

“We felt soon, we felt heard,” BARKAA added, acknowledging how generations of First Nations grew up watching Yothu Yindi. She also noted that the band were ahead of their time and that with their cover, they were paying homage to future generations of First Nations people.

While in the triple j studio, Jessica Mauboy also performed her hit single Running Back. Check out the performances and interview below.

Last year, Jessica Mauboy revealed that one of her favourite moments of the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) was watching Yothu Yindi perform. She reflected on the moment:

I was up on the hills with my fam, looking down into the theatre, and when Treaty was performed, everyone rushed to the stage. It felt like the whole mob just transformed into a mosh pit, and we were all together as one in that moment. It was an absolutely euphoric feeling.