Blakout: Fred Leone

MPA-119-3-SITSG-Fred-Leone-x-BLAKOUT_CityofMonash_1200x750px_FA

MPAC presents Butchulla Songman and musician Fred Leone as part of Blakout and Sundays in the Sound Gallery. His music blends traditional Aboriginal and Butchulla sounds with contemporary influences, fusing modern genres like hip-hop, electronic, and soul with storytelling and powerful melodies to create a powerful performance that blends tradition with innovation.

Fred Leone is one of the Butchulla Songmen with Aboriginal, Tongan, and South Sea Islander roots. He comes from the Garrwa and Butchulla tribes.

Fred’s role as a Songman sees him as one of the custodians of the traditional songs of the Butchulla tribe and one of a handful of keepers and custodians of their language. His music blends traditional Aboriginal and Butchulla sounds with contemporary influences, fusing modern genres like hip-hop, electronic, and soul with storytelling and powerful melodies. Fred is active in his role as a Songman, ensuring contemporary Butchulla stories are embedded into the tribe’s oral histories and ceremonies.

Accolades include: ‘Bagi-la-m Bargan’ with his cousin Birdz (2022) placed at #30 on Triple J’s Hottest 100 and won Best Song Composed for Screen at the 2022 Screen Music Awards; launching his solo single ‘Yrimir Gundir’ as the Opening Act for Dreamtime at the G in front of a live audience of over 80,000 people at the MCG; and the release of the ‘Yirinda’ album in 2024, in the Butchulla language.

Fred was a Sidney Myer Creative Fellow in 2022 and the winner of the 2024 NAIDOC Award for Music.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience Fred Leone’s unique sound in the intimate and acoustically superb David Li Sound Gallery. A performance that blends tradition with innovation.

This show is proudly part of Blakout. Blakout is a bold celebration of First Nations talent, shining a spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Reconciliation Week to NAIDOC Week. Experience a deadly mix of music and dance, with a multi-generational lineup that brings powerful First Nations storytelling to life.