Let’s Talk…The Arts with Sachém

This week on Let’s Talk…The Arts, Rachael Sarra catches up with North Stradbroke Island local Sachém to talk storylines, solidarity, label signings, & knowing where you stand. With a name that reflects his First Nations and African American ancestry, Sachém’s musical and creative work knows no bounds. He is a rapper, singer, and spoken-word poet, and he has rapidly become one of the most important voices of his generation.

A skilled writer, musician, and musical collaborator, Sachem transformed his 2022 EP Part of the Picture into a sold-out, live stage performance with Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra titled The Bigger Picture in late 2022. Sachem also won the 2017 Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry Prize through Queensland Poetry Festival and the 2020 Brisbane City Council Best Original Song Award. 

In this episode, Rachael and Sachém talk about the power of music as a vehicle for political transformation and education. Reflecting on the traditions of oral storytelling and protest music that have shaped his own musical and political formation, Sachem offers a poignant reminder of the role of art and artists in changing the world.