Mitch Tambo
Mitch Tambo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sydney, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist, songwriter, advocate |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Known for | Australia's Got Talent (season 9) finalist, bilingual rendition of "You're the Voice" |
Mitch Tambo is an Aboriginal Australian vocalist, songwriter, and advocate for political causes. He independently issued his first extended play (EP) in 2016. In 2019, he rose to prominence nationwide as a finalist on the ninth season of Australia's Got Talent, where he performed a bilingual rendition of "You're the Voice" in both Gamilaraay and English. He entered into a contract with Sony Music Australia in November 2019 and parted ways with the label in 2024. In July 2024, he unveiled the instrumental collection Tambo Jamz Vol.1.
Early life
Tambo was born in Sydney and relocated to Tamworth during early childhood. His mother, Roz Parker, played a key role in encouraging him to connect with his Gamilaraay heritage and identity, while his Aunt Bernadette Duncan contributed to the revitalization of his ancestral language.
Music career
Tambo initially released his EP Guurrama-Li independently in 2016, with Songbird Records reissuing it in July 2018.
In 2019, he took part in the ninth season of Australia's Got Talent by performing his track "Walanbaa," which earned him a golden buzzer from judge Nicole Scherzinger. During the semi-finals, judge Natalie Bassingthwaighte awarded him a second golden buzzer following his bilingual performance of "You're the Voice". He proceeded to the final round, although his final ranking was not disclosed. Post-show, his EP achieved international iTunes chart success, and supporters advocated for him to represent Australia at Eurovision.
November 2019 marked Tambo’s signing with Sony Music Australia. That same month, he competed in Eurovision - Australia Decides with the song "Together", securing fifth place among ten participants. Throughout this time, he endured online harassment that impacted his mental well-being.
In December 2019, Tambo officially released the bilingual version of "You're the Voice" and showcased it at the NITV Australia Day sunrise event as well as alongside John Farnham during the Fire Fight Australia concert in February 2020.
On 15 May 2020, he introduced "Love," which he described as conveying themes of healing and optimism.
In September 2022, Tambo partnered with Lee Kernaghan and Isaiah Firebrace on the track "Come Together". In May 2023, he launched "Yugal Yulu-gi" ("song and dance"), which was featured during the NRL Indigenous Round broadcast on Fox Sports.
On 3 September 2023, Tambo performed his bilingual version of "You're The Voice" at a concert endorsing the "Yes" campaign for the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum. The song also served as the soundtrack for a campaign video directed by Warwick Thornton.
Following his departure from Sony Music in 2024, Tambo released an instrumental album titled Tambo Jamz Vol.1 in July of that year.
Musical styles
Tambo’s artistic output incorporates various genres such as dance, electronic, hip-hop, pop, and instrumental compositions.
Other activities
In 2013, Tambo hosted Muso Magic Outback Tracks, a children’s television program that highlighted uplifting narratives from remote Aboriginal communities. Two years later, in 2015, he founded True Culture, an initiative designed to empower youth through cultural performances, mentoring programs, bush tucker education, and artistic activities. This project specifically targets young individuals who are disengaged or involved with foster care or juvenile justice systems.
Personal life
Mitch Tambo identifies as a Gamilaraay and Birri Gubba man and has been residing in Melbourne since 2019. He and his wife Lele anticipated the arrival of their first child in November 2021.
Albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Tambo Jamz Vol.1 |
|
Extended plays
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Guurrama-Li |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Walanbaa" | 2017 | Guurrama-Li |
| "Gulagama-Li" | ||
| "Yidaki" | ||
| "Dhiidhaan" | ||
| "You're the Voice" | 2019 | Standalone single |
| "Together" | 2020 | Australia Decides |
| "Love" | Template:TBA | |
| "Absolutely Everybody" | Deadly Hearts: Walking Together | |
| "Dreamtime Princess" | 2021 | rowspan=11 Template:TBA |
| "Heal" | ||
| "Come Together" (featuring Lee Kernaghan and Isaiah Firebrace) |
2022 | |
| "Silent Night (Gamilaraay)" | ||
| "Great Southern Land" (with Reigan) |
2023 | |
| "Yugal Yulu-gi" | ||
| "Away in a Manger" | ||
| "The Best" | 2024 | |
| "Amazing Grace" (with Voice of Lele) | ||
| "My Island Home (Gamilaraay)" (solo or with Voice of Lele) |
2025 | |
| "Blackfellas" (featuring Street Warriors and Jamahl Yami) |
Country Music Awards of Australia
Since its inception in 1973, the Country Music Awards of Australia have been held annually in January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, honoring outstanding contributions to the Australian country music scene.
! |- | rowspan="2" | 2023 || rowspan="2" | "Come Together" (featuring Lee Kernaghan and Isaiah Firebrace) || Vocal Collaboration of the Year || || rowspan="2" | |- | Heritage Song of the Year || |-
Music Victoria Awards
The Music Victoria Awards, founded in 2006, celebrate remarkable accomplishments within Victoria's music industry each year.
! |- | rowspan="2" | 2023 | Mitch Tambo | Best Pop Work | | rowspan="2" |[1] |- | Mitch Tambo | MAV Diasporas Award |
NIMA
Since 2004, the National Indigenous Music Awards have celebrated the achievements of Indigenous Australian artists on an annual basis.
! |- | 2020 | Mitch Tambo | New Talent of the Year | |
External links
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