Music across generations set to rock the stage next week at CIAF’s Music in the Park – Live It Up

Masterclasses, a fashion performance and a highly anticipated musical night featuring homegrown talent across generations will be among the highlights at this year’s Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Homegrown R&B duo Shakaya said it was a “blessing” to perform for their hometown ahead of their show in Cairns next week as part of Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) at the Munro Martin Parklands.

Simone Stacey and Naomi Wenitong recalled how Cairns was “where it all started” with trial runs of their material at Tropos nightclub, back in the day.

“We got so much support from everyone here, in the beginning when no-one knew who we were,” Ms Stacey said.

She highlighted this year’s CIAF theme as one honouring elders, respecting those who fought the good fight and the importance of keeping that fire burning.

“Songwriting started out as an outlet for ourselves but knowing it is part of your purpose and gift, you have it to give it away and that’s how First Nations people have done it for thousands of years,” she said.

“Singing, dancing, sharing with each other through expression.”

Naomi Wenitong and Simone Stacey of 2000s R&B outfit Shakaya will perform at Munro Martin Parklands as part of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. Picture: Supplied

According to Ms Stacey and Ms Wenitong, who were 20 and 16 when they released their Y2K hit “Stop Callin’ Me”, the CIAF performance on July 15 was about nostalgia.

“Every time we perform, we see people in the audience remembering the first time they heard us and it’s a lot of fun,” Ms Wenitong said.

Now both artists run programs in the community to help youngsters through music therapy and mentorship.

Taylah Ung, Tiarna Rae, Grace Miller, Ashleigh Ung of national act Marliya Choir said they were excited to perform their show, Spinifex Gum, on home-ground in front of their family and friends for the very first time.

“Spinifex started as a collaborative project and has now grown into an act where we touch on both heavy topics and happy stuff,” Ms Rae said.

“We have songs like Sisters which is all about fun and sisterhood and then Ganalili and Locked Up which are stories of things that have actually happened to First Nations people.”

Ms Ung said she was excited to perform a full show next week at an outdoor venue where they could feed off the crowd’s energy.

Taylah Ung, Tiarna Rae, Grace Miller and Ashleigh Ung of the Marliya Choir will perform at the Munro Martin Parklands as part of the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair. Picture: Sandhya Ram

“We have been to New South Wales a couple of times, Victoria, Adelaide – everywhere except our hometown so its amazing to show our families and our friends the kind of things we do.”

CIAF set a record of 60,000 visitors with sales exceeding $1m in 2022 and according to artistic director Francois Lane, a bigger turnout was expected this year.

“We have our exhibition, our main art fair, art market at the convention centre and our well known Cairns Fashion Performance, which is a big drawcard that sells out,” Ms Lane said.

“The Deaf Indigenous Dance Group will be one of our main performers and they are also doing free workshops throughout our public program at CIAF, so people can come along and learn some dancing.

“In our Symposium, we have a First Nations international conversation panel, with a new format of a yarning circle style arrangement.”

Add-ons this year included masterclasses, weaving sessions with well renowned artists, fine art classes and a boosted prize cache of $25,000 towards the Premier’s Award for Excellence.

Following the event, Ms Lane said announcements would be made about professional opportunities for upcoming fashion designers and artists.

Originally published as Music across generations set to rock the stage next week at CIAF’s Music in the Park – Live It Up