Djanaba’s ‘F.U.’ is a manifesto of resilience and empowerment

Photo by: Georgia Jane Griffiths

In a vibrant collision of traditional roots and contemporary beats, Djanaba, the Eora/Sydney-based, Awabakal/Newcastle-raised vocalist, DJ, and songwriter, has just dropped her latest sonic gem, ‘F.U.’ The track IS a crevice in her propulsive pop soundscape, and comes ahead of her highly anticipated performance supporting Kah-Lo this November.

Djanaba – a proud queer Wiradjuri and Bundjalung woman with connections to the Wollombi people – seamlessly merges her study of traditional song and dance with her relentless pursuit of empowering electronic pop. Already making waves with collaborations with PNAU, Djanaba’s latest release demonstrates her ability to seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary soundscapes.

Driven by cascading synths and carefully layered bars of ferocity, Djanaba uses her music as a platform for carefully calculated commentary against the confines of bold, presumptuous voices in pop. “I just like to look back and reflect on some of the horrific people I’ve slept with. This one particular trash bag started some rumours about me years ago,” Djanaba says about her music. “Just a couple of months ago he spammed my Instagram. This is very much a f**k you to him. Working with Friendless on this track has been such a seamless process he very much encouraged me to be vulnerable enough to write about this experience.”

Inspired by drum and bass, ‘F.U.’ showcases Djanaba’s diverse musical influences, evident in the tone of drums that pulsate through the track. As she navigates through the highs and lows of her personal experiences, Djanaba marks ‘F.U.’ as the beginning of her creative journey in crafting a distinct brand and sound.

“I was very much inspired by drum and bass in this track and you can see that in the tone of drums,” she continues. “This is really just the start of my creative journey in terms of creating my own brand and sound. Nothing makes me happier than knowing I am literally living my dream by creating and I am very much learning to trust in my abilities as a songwriter. As someone who has been told there are too many reasons for why l would never be successful, it is all too f**king powerful knowing you are continually proving them wrong.”

Djanaba’s ‘F.U.’ is a manifesto of resilience, empowerment, and a bold assertion of her place in the pop music scene.

Connect with Djanaba: Instagram

TOUR DATES
Wed 15 Nov – MELT Festival – Meanjin / Brisbane*
Sat 25 Nov – Spilt Milk – Ngunnal Land / Canberra
Sun 26 Nov – Spilt Milk – Kombumerri Land / Gold Coast
Sat 2 Dec – Spilt Milk – Wadawurrung Land / Ballarat
Sun 3 Dec – Spilt Milk – Whadjuk Land / Perth
*supporting Kah-Lo

Steve