Yolngu rapper Baker Boy (aka Danzal Baker) was the 2019 Young Australian Of The Year, and he's now received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Deserved recognition for a young star.
He received the OAM for his "service to the performing arts as a singer and musician", and he took to Instagram to acknowledge the recognition - as well as make his stance clear on Invasion Day.
Baker Boy posted, "Today I have been recognised for my achievements and contributions to the performing arts industry with an Order of Australia. I’m greatful for this recognition, and look forward to being able to share and celebrate it, but I do not wish to comment any further at this stage as I am in mourning for Invasion Day.
"I have spent the day peacefully marching the streets of Narrm and look forward to a time where we celebrate our country, our people and their achievements on a different day out of respect for all of my First Nations brothers and sisters. Thank you, Danzal Baker OAM. ❤️."
Baker Boy made a similar statement after the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis in 2020, saying that while his persona is one of "path of positivity and light", he wanted to speak out.
He said, "I have had a number of people ‘call me out’ for not publicly sharing my rage about what is happening right now.
“As my Baker Boy persona I choose a path of positivity and light and choose not to speak politically with this platform. I’m also unsure that I have anything new or insightful to say. I don’t feel like it is anyone’s place to push guilt or question the activism of a First Nations person during this traumatising time.”
"But I will say; I am a Yolngu Man from North East Arnhem Land. I am angry. I am scared. I feel every negative emotion that there is to feel about what happened to George Floyd. I feel these emotions EVERY DAMN DAY not just right now when it’s big on the news or trending on twitter and Instagram.
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"This is my life and I am scared, I have anxiety about going to unknown places like a different cafe from my usual, not to mention the challenge of touring from the fear of racism, that, yes, is still rampant here in Australia too.”
We're glad to see recognition of Baker Boy's commitment to being a positive force in the Australian music industry, and we can't wait to see what he's got in store for 2021.
