20.4 C
Byron Shire
March 27, 2024

Interview with JK-47

Latest News

UK court seeks assurances from US over Julian Assange

The UK High Court of Justice has released a 66 page judgement seeking more information from the United States relating to Australian citizen Julian Assange, which it says it needs before deciding whether to grant the WikiLeaks founder leave to appeal his extradition.

Other News

Casuarina cricketers too strong for Mullumbimby Brunswick in grand final

Mullumbimby Brunswick Cricket Club (MBCC) had a very successful season finishing second on the ladder at the end of the home and away season with 13 wins and 4 losses, but fell short of winning the grand final against the Casuarina Crocs.

The power of the people is much stronger than the people in power

‘I feel so powerless,’ a friend said. It’s an understandable sentiment in the face of tragic situations out of our individual control, but there are things people can do to effect change, especially when we come together as a community. 

Laid-back but lively

Ooz is an acoustic roots reggae artist with a large, eclectic repertoire of crowd favourites. His unique, laid-back but lively style creates a relaxed atmosphere and his song choices have you remembering many of those forgotten classics.

Records galore!

Byron Bay Easter Record Fair returns again to Ewingsdale Hall. Now in its 15th year, the Byron Bay Easter Record Fair is one of the biggest and best in this country. Matt the Vinyl Junkie has spent years on buying trips to the US and Japan scouring dusty warehouses, shops, flea markets and private collections. He can offer an astounding 30,000 records in one place covering most genres.

Biz confidence up, says Business NSW

The state's peak body for business says confidence in the sector has increased but cost of living pressures continue to impact customer spending.

Big week in Byron Bay for adaptive surfers

Australia’s first-ever international adaptive surfing contest held in Byron Bay last week was an overwhelming success according to organiser Mark ‘mono’ Stewart.

JK-47 a powerful, weapon of spirit at Bluesfest

JK-47: A WEAPON OF MASS CONSTRUCTION

If you’re a hip hop fan in Australia, you should by now know the name JK-47. He’s the 2020 Triple J Unearthed Artist of the Year, he did a jaw-dropping Like A Version where he put a fantastic twist on ‘Changes’ by 2Pac and tonight you will see him at Sydney’s Stadium Australia ahead of the final game of the Origin series. He is a talented artist who is a force to be reckoned with.

Seven spoke to JK-47, a Minjungbal Cudgenburra man, from his home at Kingscliff and talked to him about being a rapper and his upcoming Bluesfest set.

About your name – is JK-47 a play on AK 47 – the gun?

Yeah. When I was younger and started rapping other rappers called me a weapon and I thought, like the AK-47. But now it’s changed, because now I feel it’s a spiritual warfare about what’s in your mind. So, I like to think of myself as a weapon people can use – the music can be used as a weapon to fight negative thinking.

You released an album last year – how has that gone for you?

It’s been great. I was kind of having a battle with myself – whether people would like it or not, because of all the controversial issues about these times of change, and how people do want to stand with First Nations now, and how it hasn’t always been like that… but someone said to me, ‘Look, you’ve got to drop that, because it’s going to be so important’.

You’ve been doing this for ten years now – do you feel the local hip hop and rap scene has changed in that time?

Yeah, 100 per cent. When I grew up, the rap music I was listening to was gangsta rap. Everyone was wanting to be a gangster and stuff like that. It’s just about what you relate to. My mum never liked us listening to that, but I listened to it anyway. I also listened to Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley and others.

But, I had to get back to the roots, look further back before the gangsters and everything, like when it was just hip hop, yeah. You know, when there was a bit more positivity, and less negativity, and less violence and stuff like that – more support.

What do your elders think about your work?

Elders from Fingal and the area where I grew up are all proud of me and say ‘Good on you for spreading the word, spreading the message, telling the story.’ That’s what matters, as long as I’m getting recognition from real ones – my aunties, my uncles, my family people – who really know what’s up.

How do you feel about performing at Bluesfest this year?

Good. I will be doing songs from the album and I’ve got new stuff. I’ll be playing some unreleased music that I’m getting ready to drop, so a bit of both.

JK-47 is just one of the great acts on at Bluesfest in October this year. Tix from www.bluesfest.com.au


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Safety and preparation saves lives on the water

A large number of boaters are expected to hit the water over the Easter long weekend and Marine Rescue NSW is reminding boaters to be prepared and log on to the Marine Rescue NSW app.

It’s a biggest little town festival! 

Supporters, performers, and volunteers gathered to launch the Mullum Laneways Festival 2024 last Friday. 

Seize the Decade report outlines benefits of renewables

The Climate Council says many more Australian families can directly benefit from rooftop solar and batteries under a new plan that spells out how we can electrify the nation and cut climate pollution this decade.

Bruns-Billinudgel RSL marches on

Though recently the membership of the Brunswick Heads–Billinudgel RSL sub-Branch has grown, the numbers are still very low and if there is not a continual increase, this chapter faces closing.