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Mitch Tambo
Australian singer and songwriter From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Mitch Tambo is an Aboriginal Australian singer, songwriter and political activist, who self-released his debut EP in 2016. In 2019, he reached the final of the ninth series of Australia's Got Talent and garnered national attention for his bilingual version of "You're the Voice", in Gamilaraay and English. In November 2019, Tambo was signed to Sony Music Australia, but left the label in 2024. In July 2024, he released the instrumental album Tambo Jamz Vol.1.
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Early life
Mitch Tambo was born in Sydney and moved to Tamworth when he was 18 months old. He says his mother, Roz Parker, empowered him to embrace his Gamilaraay culture and identity, while his Aunty Bernadette Duncan helped him revive his language.[1]
In 2010, Tambo travelled to Rome for the canonisation of Mary MacKillop.[2]
Music career
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In 2016, Tambo self-released his debut extended play titled Guurrama-Li. It was re-released on Songbird Records in July 2018.[3]
In 2019, he auditioned for the ninth series of Australia's Got Talent, where he performed his single "Walanbaa". He progressed to the semi-final after receiving the golden buzzer from judge and former Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger.[4] In the semi-final, he received another golden buzzer from judge Natalie Bassingthwaighte after performing a bilingual version of "You're the Voice" (in Gamilaraay and English) wearing the Dhinawan and Murray crest and feathers.[5] He progressed to the final in September 2019, where his placing was undisclosed.[6] Following his appearance on the show', Tambo's EP began charting on iTunes charts across the world, and a fan Twitter campaign was launched to have him represent Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest.[7]
In November 2019, Tambo signed a record deal with Sony Music Australia.[8][9][10] On 19 November 2019, Tambo was announced as a participant in Eurovision - Australia Decides; in an attempt to represent Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2020[4][11] with the song "Together". In the Eurovision - Australia Decides final, "Together" placed 5th in a field of 10. During the campaign for the Eurovision Song Contest, Tambo experienced toxic cyberbullying, which impacted his mental health.[12]
In December 2019, and after performing it in the semi-final of Australia's Got Talent, Tambo released the bilingual version of "You're the Voice" in English and Gamilaraay.[5] He performed the song at the NITV sunrise ceremony for Australia Day on 26 January,[13] and later with John Farnham as the finale of the Fire Fight Australia concert in February 2020.[14]
On 15 May 2020, Tambo released "Love". In a statement, Tambo said "'Love' is a reminder to reach deep down within, heal and set our spirits free with love, healing and hope for a better tomorrow."[15]
In September 2022, Tambo released "Come Together" with Lee Kernaghan and Isaiah Firebrace.[16]
In May 2023, he released "Yugal Yulu-gi", which means "song and dance". The song was used during the NRL Indigenous Round on Fox Sports.[17]
On 3 September 2023, Tambo performed his bilingual version of "You're The Voice", standing in for John Farnham at a concert which was part of the "Yes" campaign in the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum, a vote to change the Australian Constitution to enshrine a Voice to Parliament for Indigenous Australians.[18][19][20] The song played as a soundtrack for a video ad directed by filmmaker Warwick Thornton, which was rolled out on social and other digital media and television.[21][22]
In 2024, Tambo left Sony Music.[23] In July 2024, he released the instrumental album, Tambo Jamz Vol.1.[23]
Musical styles
Tambo's music covers several genres, including dance, electronic, hip-hop, pop,[24] and instrumental.[23]
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Other activities
In 2013, Tambo hosted children's TV series Muso Magic Outback Tracks, a production which showcases and highlights positive stories in remote Aboriginal communities.[2]
In 2015, he started True Culture, a program that empowers young people to explore their identity through cultural performance, mentor workshops, bush tucker, and art experiences and to empower disengaged kids, those in foster care or on the brink of juvenile justice.[1]
Personal life
Tambo is a Gamilaraay and Birri Gubba man and was living in Melbourne in 2019.[1]
Tambo was expecting his first child with his wife Lele in November 2021.[25]
Discography
Albums
Extended plays
Singles
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Awards and nominations
Country Music Awards of Australia
The Country Music Awards of Australia is an annual awards night held in January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Celebrating recording excellence in the Australian country music industry. They commenced in 1973.
Music Victoria Awards
The Music Victoria Awards are an annual awards night recognising Victorian music. They commenced in 2006.
NIMA
The National Indigenous Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises the achievements of Indigenous Australians in music. The award ceremony commenced in 2004.
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References
External links
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