The trailblazing Indigenous artist Bart Willoughby has been honored with the 2024 Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music. This prestigious recognition will be presented at the 2024 APRA Music Awards, to be held on May 1 at ICC Sydney, on Gadigal land.
Bart Willoughby’s Notable Impact
Willoughby, a founding member and the driving force behind No Fixed Address, Australia’s first and arguably most influential First Nations reggae-rock band, has left a profound mark on the country’s music scene. The band was not only the first of its kind but also the most influential, being the first Aboriginal band to sign a major label deal.
The Iconic Protest Song “We Have Survived”
The band’s 1981 protest song “We Have Survived” remains an inspiration to audiences today and has been preserved in the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.
Fusion of Musical Cultures
Willoughby, who hails from the Kokatha and Mirning peoples, has shown exceptional skill in blending reggae music with traditional Indigenous influences, reflecting the richness and diversity of Australia’s original cultural identity. His illustrious career exemplifies artistic and cultural power.
Willoughby’s Far-Reaching Influence
Willoughby’s impact extends beyond music, encompassing roles such as a cultural ambassador, master storyteller, nurturing mentor, and steadfast advocate for truth within Indigenous communities. These roles have earned him respect and admiration throughout the country.
Willoughby’s Words on Receiving the Award
Willoughby expressed his gratitude for the honor, saying, “I am very proud to receive the Ted Albert Award for my services to Australian music. The best advice I received as a young musician was from Aunty Leila Rankin when she guided me, saying, ‘You will learn your craft on the road, it has been a long road.'”
Recognition of Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff
In a related event, Taylor Swift and co-writer Jack Antonoff were recognized with the Most Performed International Work award for their hit song “Anti-Hero” from Swift’s tenth album Midnights.
The Closing Ceremony
The 2024 APRA Music Awards will take place on May 1 at ICC Sydney, with host Tom Gleeson, guest presenters Jen Cloher and Bumpy, and musical director Julian Hamilton.
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