Malyangapa and Barkindji rapper Barkaa has released her debut album Blak Matriarchy in honour of powerful First Nations women who’ve paved the way for future generations.
Barkaa told NITV News the album is an embodiment of her matriarchal ancestors.
“My main inspiration has been my mum; raising us kids, working, going to uni and juggling like a superwoman,” she said.
“We have a lot of women like that in our lives, our aunties, grandmothers and mothers are people who carry community on their backs.”
Since launching her debut single in 2020, Barkaa has risen to fame as one of the most respected voices in the country's rap scene.
Just before releasing her new album, her music passed a Spotify milestone with 1 million streams.
“Songs like, For my Tiddas, 22 Clan, Our Lives Matter, I Can’t Breathe - they’re very politically fuelled songs that represent our lived experiences," she says.
“This isn’t stuffed we got taught in school, so it’s amazing that people are actually listening to First Nations voices now.
“We’re paving paths for our future generations to be able to speak their truth.”
Barkaa was also recently announced as part of #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2022, appearing on billboards across Times Square and Los Angeles.
“When I saw that billboard come to life, I saw the visuals of me and my daughter… it was a huge moment for our mob.
“The rest of the world can see that, and recognise Blak faces across the world.
“We’re putting our Blak faces on the map.”
The music video for Blak Matriarchy unites prominent Blak faces, including Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa artist Charlotte Allingham, who’s known for her political illustrations on .
Barkaa said they shared a strong sense of “tiddahood” while shooting it.
“It was more than just a cameo of girls, it was a cameo of tidda-girls who were strong in what they were doing and healing… It was full of Blak joy," she said.
“It was amazing to have those women celebrated.”
Barkaa was awarded the 2020 PUMA Rookie Of The Year Award from Acclaim Magazine, and named one of the top rappers in the country by triple j and Red Bull.
While she continues to trailblaze an inspiring career, music has also driven her personal journey in self-expression, truth-telling and putting a spotlight on issues impacting First Nations people.
“I think it’s about healing and being true to yourself about the struggle that you’re going through,” she said.
“Nobody can use your truth against you if you’re completely honest about who you are.”
The rapper who has been open about her struggles with addiction, said she hopes to achieve more than making music next year.
“It ranges from stability for my kids, like getting a little backyard, and hitting the milestone of one year clean from alcohol.
“I want to explore other things within my craft, I don’t want it to just be rap, this is bigger than that.”
She also has designs on mentoring, workshops for young First Nations women and hosting parties with alcohol-free zones.
“There are so many things I want to do, but it can be a reality now.
“Before I didn’t even know I could be a rapper, I didn’t know if I could get my kids back and I didn’t know if I could get clean.
“These are the things I know I can do, now.”
