Don't Tell Us

Listen to the voices of young people from the Pilbara as they take you on a moving journey through their original music video, Don’t Tell Us. An anthem of empowerment, Don’t Tell Us showcases the resilience of young artists who are taking a stand and sharing their stories, their way. 

Produced during Community Arts Network’s Now Sounds Hedland project, Don’t Tell Us is the culmination of a year-long, intensive multi-arts initiative that integrates music, visual arts, hip hop and video. This project unites youth from First Nations and diverse cultural communities. 

In Hedland, 163 young people were guided by artists Optamus, Flewnt, Mubanga Culture, and Shakara Walley to learn skills in beat-making, rap, lyric-writing and intercultural dance. 

This music video is just one remarkable element of this ambitious project. Over three artist residencies, young participants gained confidence in their own abilities, built pride in their cultural heritage, gained a sense of connection and belonging, recognised the value in their hometown and developed skills, in some cases not just as artists but also as mentors to others.

Music video production for Don’t Tell Us is by Amelia Blanco and Andrew McIvor.

Credits