Sacred Sites
Uluru
Discussion Topic: Have you been/ who know someone who has been to uluru?
Read the New York Times article about the climbing ban at Uluru
Discussion: What do you think about people climbing Uluru?
Make a claim.
Support that claim.
Make a claim.
Support that claim.
TASK
Spotlight on Baker Boy
Upbringing
Danzal Baker was born in Darwin, Northern Territory, and grew up in the Arnhem Land communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida.
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He completed Year 12 at Shalom Christian College in Townsville, Queensland, before attending the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane. He developed his love of dancing and acting there, and was an original member of the Djuki Mala dance troupe, which toured Australia.
He has stated that 'Shame in remote communities around Australia is a really big thing'. He has seen countless friends and community members, decide not to show their talents as they feel they will be shamed by the people watching. Baker Boy wants to empower others from his community to take charge of their futures and follow their passions. |
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Rise to fame
In 2017, Baker Boy attracted national attention as the winner of the Triple J Unearthed National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) Competition.
He released his first single "Cloud 9" featuring Kian and "Marryuna" featuring Yirrmal in the same year. Both singles were featured in Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2017 and both have amasssed millions of streams on Spotify.
In 2018, he performed with acts such as Yothu Yindi and Dizzee Rascal. He also performed as an opening act for American rapper 50 Cent along with A.B. Original.
His third and fourth single, "Mr. La Di Da Di" and "Black Magic" featuring Dallas Woods, were released in 2018.
On 7 July, Baker Boy appeared on the children's television show, Play School and performed "Hickory Dickory Dock" as part of NAIDOC Week.
Other singles include:
2019
"Cool as Hell"
"In Control"
"Meditjin" (featuring JessB)
"Move"
2020
"Better Days" (with Dallas Woods and Sampa the Great)
"Ride" (featuring Yirrmal)
He released his first single "Cloud 9" featuring Kian and "Marryuna" featuring Yirrmal in the same year. Both singles were featured in Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2017 and both have amasssed millions of streams on Spotify.
In 2018, he performed with acts such as Yothu Yindi and Dizzee Rascal. He also performed as an opening act for American rapper 50 Cent along with A.B. Original.
His third and fourth single, "Mr. La Di Da Di" and "Black Magic" featuring Dallas Woods, were released in 2018.
On 7 July, Baker Boy appeared on the children's television show, Play School and performed "Hickory Dickory Dock" as part of NAIDOC Week.
Other singles include:
2019
"Cool as Hell"
"In Control"
"Meditjin" (featuring JessB)
"Move"
2020
"Better Days" (with Dallas Woods and Sampa the Great)
"Ride" (featuring Yirrmal)
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Awards
National Indigenous Music Awards 2018, 2019, 2020
The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) recognise excellence, dedication, innovation and outstanding contribution to the Northern Territory music industry.
Baker Boy won artist of the year twice in a row at these awards and best song in 2020 for "Meditjin" (featuring JessB)
Young Australian of the Year 2019
In 2019, Baker Boy was awarded Young Australian of the Year. He delivered his acceptance speech in both English and Yolngu Matha.
Order of Australia Medal 2021
In the 2021 Australia Day Honours, Baker was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the performing arts as a singer and musician.
The Yolngu rapper took to social media to acknowledge the recognition, but declined to comment further, saying he was unable to celebrate while in mourning during Invasion Day.
The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) recognise excellence, dedication, innovation and outstanding contribution to the Northern Territory music industry.
Baker Boy won artist of the year twice in a row at these awards and best song in 2020 for "Meditjin" (featuring JessB)
Young Australian of the Year 2019
In 2019, Baker Boy was awarded Young Australian of the Year. He delivered his acceptance speech in both English and Yolngu Matha.
Order of Australia Medal 2021
In the 2021 Australia Day Honours, Baker was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the performing arts as a singer and musician.
The Yolngu rapper took to social media to acknowledge the recognition, but declined to comment further, saying he was unable to celebrate while in mourning during Invasion Day.
Awards
Check out the range of awards Baker Boy has garnered.
Future
'A superhero in the community', Baker Boy still feels the pressure of representation, and admits to nerves ahead of big shows.
His family and his community keep him strong, he says, reminding him he is making them proud and "putting them on the map".
Now living in Ballarat with his partner and their British bulldog, Djapa — "the Baker Dog", — he misses his home, particularly fishing and the smell of the fire or a fresh catch.
But he knows the positive difference he is making.
"My dad told me when he goes to work, in the morning, and sees all the kids go to school, they scream out 'Baker Boy, Baker Boy'," he says.
"Some of the parents would say to my dad, 'Your son is like a superhero in this community, everyone wants to be like him".
His family and his community keep him strong, he says, reminding him he is making them proud and "putting them on the map".
Now living in Ballarat with his partner and their British bulldog, Djapa — "the Baker Dog", — he misses his home, particularly fishing and the smell of the fire or a fresh catch.
But he knows the positive difference he is making.
"My dad told me when he goes to work, in the morning, and sees all the kids go to school, they scream out 'Baker Boy, Baker Boy'," he says.
"Some of the parents would say to my dad, 'Your son is like a superhero in this community, everyone wants to be like him".
Discussion Questions
What is Baker Boy's real name and where is he from in Australia?
Where did he study performing arts?
How is he hoping to combat shame in his remote community?
Why do you think he is a 'super hero' in his commnity?
He delivered his Australian of the Year speech in his language (Yolngu Matha) and English. Why do you think he did this?
Why do you think receiving an Order of Australia on Australia Day was a difficult award to celebrate for Baker Boy?
Where did he study performing arts?
How is he hoping to combat shame in his remote community?
Why do you think he is a 'super hero' in his commnity?
He delivered his Australian of the Year speech in his language (Yolngu Matha) and English. Why do you think he did this?
Why do you think receiving an Order of Australia on Australia Day was a difficult award to celebrate for Baker Boy?