After searching high and low for a worthy artist to perform at the 2016 National Indigenous Music Awards, triple J reckon they’ve struck gold.
The winner of their latest Unearthed competition is 18-year-old Sydney producer Kuran.
Kuran AKA Curtis Kennedy of the Wiradjuri people grew up in the 1500-strong town of Hillston in regional NSW, before moving to the big smoke to work on his music.
After dropping a deadly EP and notching up collabs with the likes of Allday, Sophie Lowe and Banks, Kuran has been on the j’s radar (#jdar) for some time now, dazzling the national tastemakers with his original track Home ft. Ben Alessi and earning himself a spot on their 10 artists to watch in 2016 list.
Now, he’ll be flying to Darwin to perform at the National Indigenous Music Awards ceremony on Saturday 6th August, following in the footsteps of previous winners like Thelma Plum, Philly, Robbie Miller and Zane Francis.
The young producer told the j’s that it’s an honour to “go and play for my country and for my people” at the NIMAs, and make his debut on the grand Darwin Amphitheatre stage.
“I’ve just played in clubs and one festival but I’m looking forward to it and I’ll have to go and get prepared,” he said.
He’s also keen to meet Briggs, who’ll be at the ceremony performing with Trials as A.B. Original.
Kuran will also share the stage with the likes of the Medics frontman Kahl Wallis, Emma Donovan, and Stanley ‘Gawurra’ Gaykamangu before reportedly gearing up to drop an EP in August.
Big ups.
Catch Kuran’s tune Home ft. Ben Alessi below.
