There’s so much joy that radiates from these photographs of the final residency of Now Sounds Hedland. The photos capture moments of the live performance of “Don’t Tell Us”, which took place at Wanangkura Stadium during Hedland's Youth Week Rap Up Block Party on Friday 12 April, as well as filming that took place during the residency.

These beautiful photographs tell one part of the story, the side you see from the audience. In the captions we’re taking you behind the scenes where you’ll discover another kind of beauty.

Empowering young people

Now Sounds Hedland was structured around a series of artistic residencies, each spaced some months apart. Watching young people return to the project, residency after residency, we saw their confidence blossom as they worked with the lead artists. There were young people who started the project reluctant to participate and finished it rapping and singing on stage.

I been thinking I been thinking now I'm rapping to the top, yeah.
I found my way out from a time that I was lost.
I been trying to get through this, they be saying I'm a nuisance.
Because I will speak the truth.
So now I'm gonna prove it, by making this music,
sometimes you gotta do this, and I'm never gonna stop.

Verse 3 of "Don't Tell Us"
By Laquade

Pride in culture

Building pride in cultural heritage was an integral part of Now Sounds Hedland, and this is reflected in the lyrics of the song “Don’t Tell Us”.

Growing up in discrimination
but remember we are one nation
and there is no reciprocation.
Nothing but praising
that fair treatment we are chasing
And we want the same equality, embrace every nation, all races and places.
Why do we make it so complicated – stand up, show up for all faces.
We been waiting for ages, feel like I ran out of patience.
This culture is ancient, we destined for greatness,
No one will take it
Make no mistake we will never break it.

Verse 1, “Don’t Tell Us”
By Taharley Rose

Fostering a sense of belonging, connection and possibility

Now Sounds Hedland allowed young participants to see how much they have to offer their community, and that people are interested in hearing what they have to say, helping them to see themselves as valuable and valued members of their community.

Developing a sense of place

By focusing on Hedland’s cultural diversity, this project helped young participants to recognise that this is something that makes the place special, and that there is power in that capacity for intercultural connection.

It's time to find a new way
Now I can leave my nest
It's hard to walk on this path
Leave your family and your home.
But I know, one day this all will pass
My life there, was fake
But it's time, like a bird flew away
Never coming back
Even I know that my life is singing.

Verse 2 “Don’t Tell Us”
By Pedro (translated from Portuguese to English)

Skills development through mentorship

At the heart of Now Sounds is the development of new skills in song, lyric-writing, rapping and dance. Through the process of developing these skills young people forged connections with the mentor artists and with each other.

What was particularly special about this project was the opportunities it offered emerging facilitators. Former Now Sounds participant Darlington and emerging artist Jacob travelled from Perth and Broome respectively to take part in the project as artists, under the leadership of the core artistic team.

I just want you to listen to the rhyme.
I'm always on time, it's where I get to shine.
If there's stars in the sky, it's hard when a cry but then I feel
Happy with the laughter inside.
I think about yesterday but that was yesterday.
If that's the game you know why I never play.
Wash the stress away, watch the sun rise.
In the end, we've only got one life.

Verse 4 of “Don’t Tell Us”
By Zahnaysha

Stay tuned for the online launch of “Don’t Tell Us” which will include a music video made by local videographer Amelia Blanco, plus a poster which is being developed by young local artist Layne Dhu-Dickie.