Thanks to NITV, Elegant Traks and Bad Apples, iconic Australian hip hop artists Nooky, Urthboy )The Herd), Birdz (Nathan Bird), Thundamentals (Tuka and Jeswon), L-Fresh the Lion, Tasman Keith, Ozi Batla, Kaylah Truth, Coda Conduct (Erica and Sally) and Hau (koolism) have come together to produce an original ‘Change the Date’ and an accompanying 360 degree VR experience.
Through thought-provoking documentaries, films, news and current affairs, a podcast, public events and more, NITV invites all Australians to hear and interact with Indigenous perspectives on this national holiday.
It was not until 1994 that Australian Day was celebrated consistently across states and territories on 26 January, and for many Indigenous Australians this date marks a Day of Mourning with some asking, why not change the date?
Many iconic Australian hip hop artists including Punjabi artist L-Fresh the Lion share their views on why they thing Australia should change the date of Australia Day.
NITV Channel Manager, Tanya Orman, said:
“As part of our role as Australia’s dedicated Indigenous broadcaster, NITV provides an important place for Indigenous voices to be heard on issues that matter to communities. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the 26thof January is not a day for celebration, and in the lead up to and during the national holiday, NITV wants to encourage more discussion and debate about the date.”
The accompanying VR experience was conceived, produced and directed by an all-Aboriginal team, going to the heart of NITV’s role in empowering the next generation of indigenous creative.
The ‘Change the Date’ song is available now as free download from www.sbs.com.au/nitv/2017/01/20/nitv-3lack60-sessions-changethe-date and the VR experience is available online through the SBS VR app and on NITV’s Facebook and you Tube pages.
Source: NITV
