Mitch Tambo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sydney, Australia |
| Origin | Australia |
| Genres | Dance,electronic,hip-hop,pop[1] |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals,didgeridoo (Yidaki) |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Labels | Sony (2019–2024) |
| Website | https://www.mitchtambo.com |
Mitch Tambo is an Australian singer, songwriter and political activist, who self-released his debutEP in 2016. In 2019, he reached the final of theninth series ofAustralia's Got Talent and garnered national attention.[2] In November 2019, Tambo was signed toSony Music Australia.[3]
Tambo was born inSydney and moved toTamworth when he was 18 months old. Tambo says his mother Roz Parker empowered him to embrace hisAboriginal Australian (Gamilaraay) culture andidentity, while his Aunty Bernadette Duncan helped him revive his language. Tambo said "My mum has been my greatest influencer, period. When it comes to culture, she empowered and encouraged me 1000 per cent to dive in and never look back. She's seen the power in it and what it's done for my spirit."[4]
In 2010, Tambo travelled toRome for thecanonisation ofMary MacKillop.[5]
In 2016, Tambo self-released his debut extended play titledGuurrama-Li. It was re-released on Songbird Records in July 2018.[6]
In 2019, he auditioned for theninth series ofAustralia's Got Talent, where he performed his single "Walanbaa". He progressed to the semi-final after receiving the golden buzzer from judge and formerPussycat Dolls lead singerNicole Scherzinger, who was visibly moved by his audition, describing him as "a true representative of Australia's beauty, culture and talent".[7] In the semi-final, he received another golden buzzer from judgeNatalie Bassingthwaighte after performing abilingual version of "You're the Voice" (inGamilaraay andEnglish) wearing the Dhinawan and Murray crest and feathers.[8] He progressed to the final, where his placing was undisclosed.[9]
Immediately following theAustralia's Got Talent, his EP began charting on iTunes charts across the world and a fan Twitter campaign was launched to have Tambo representAustralia in the Eurovision Song Contest.[10]
In November 2019, Tambo announced he had signed a record deal withSony Music Australia.[2][3][11] On 19 November 2019, Tambo was announced as a participant inEurovision - Australia Decides; in an attempt to representAustralia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2020[7][12] 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 toxiccyberbullying, which impacted his mental health.[13]
In December 2019, and after performing it in the semi-final ofAustralia's Got Talent, Tambo released the bilingual version of "You're the Voice" inEnglish andGamilaraay.[8] He performed the song at theNITV sunrise ceremony forAustralia Day on 26 January,[14] and later with John Farnham as the finale of theFire Fight Australia concert in February 2020.[15]
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."[16]
In September 2022, Tambo released "Come Together" withLee Kernaghan andIsaiah Firebrace.[17]
In May 2023, Tambo released "Yugal Yulu-gi", which means "song and dance". The song was used during theNRL Indigenous Round onFox Sports.[18]
On 3 September 2023, Tambo performed his bilingual version of "You're The Voice", standing in forJohn Farnham at a concert which was part of the "Yes" campaign in the2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum, a vote to change the Australian Constitution to enshrine aVoice to Parliament forIndigenous Australians.[19][20][21] The song plays as a soundtrack for a video ad directed by filmmakerWarwick Thornton, which is being rolled out on social and other digital media and television.[22][23]
In 2024, Tambo parted ways with Sony Music.[24] In July 2024, Tambo released the instrumental album,Tambo Jamz Vol.1.[24]
In 2013, Tambo hosted children's TV seriesMuso Magic Outback Tracks, a production which showcases and highlights positive stories in remote Aboriginal communities.[5]
In 2015, he startedTrue 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 ofjuvenile justice.[4]
Tambo is aGamilaraay andBirri Gubba man and lives inMelbourne.[4]
Tambo is expecting his first child with his wife Lele in November 2021.[25]
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Tambo Jamz Vol.1 |
|
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Guurrama-Li |
|
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Walanbaa"[26] | 2017 | Guurrama-Li |
| "Gulagama-Li"[27] | ||
| "Yidaki"[28] | ||
| "Dhiidhaan"[29] | ||
| "You're the Voice"[30] | 2019 | non-album single |
| "Together"[31] | 2020 | Australia Decides |
| "Love"[16] | to be confirmed | |
| "Absolutely Everybody"[32] | Deadly Hearts: Walking Together | |
| "Dreamtime Princess"[33] | 2021 | to be confirmed |
| "Heal"[25] | ||
| "Come Together" (withLee Kernaghan andIsaiah Firebrace)[17] | 2022 | |
| "Silent Night (Gamilaraay)"[34] | ||
| "Great Southern Land" (withReigan)[35] | 2023 | |
| "Yugal Yulu-gi"[18] | ||
| "Away in a Manger"[36] | ||
| "The Best"[37] | 2024 | |
| "Amazing Grace" (with Voice of Lele)[38] | ||
| "My Island Home (Gamilaraay)" (solo or with Voice of Lele)[39] | 2025 |
TheCountry Music Awards of Australia is an annual awards night held in January during theTamworth Country Music Festival. Celebrating recording excellence in theAustralian country music industry. They commenced in 1973.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | "Come Together" (with Lee Kernaghan and Isaiah Firebrace) | Vocal Collaboration of the Year | Nominated | [40] |
| Heritage Song of the Year | Nominated |
TheMusic Victoria Awards are an annual awards night recognising Victorian music. They commenced in 2006.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Mitch Tambo | Best Pop Work | Nominated | [41] |
| Mitch Tambo | MAV Diasporas Award | Nominated |
TheNational Indigenous Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises the achievements of Indigenous Australians in music. The award ceremony commenced in 2004.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Mitch Tambo | New Talent of the Year | Nominated | [42][43] |
| External videos | |
|---|---|
 Courtney Act's One Plus One: Mitch Tambo, One Plus One,ABC News |
