Birdz and Fred Leone have released a new single, 'Wanya Nyin Yanmanj', providing a preview of their upcoming project, GIRA.
The track highlights the pair's continued resistance and Indigenous pride, while honouring traditional language, roots and identity.
It brings together Birdz's sharp lyricism with Fred Leone's Butchulla vocals, aiming to spark conversation and encourage reflection.
In a joint statement, Birdz and Fred spoke to the power of the single.
"Still we sit, still we rise. You said no to our voice, but you can't silence our truth," they said.
"Black deaths, no justice. No change, but we stay strong. This land remembers. So do we. Wanya Nyin Yanmanj."
Birdz and Fred Leone are members of the Ngulungbura Clan of the Butchulla Nation, where Fred is one of three Butchulla songmen.
Their 2020 single 'Bagi-La-m Bargan' reached #30 in the triple j Hottest 100 and has been streamed more than 2.7 million times.
The cousins have become known for their energetic live shows, performing at the Brisbane Festival, Garma Festival, NIMAs, and headlining Big Sound in 2024.
Raised in the Northern Territory, Birdz is now based in Naarm. His debut EP Birdz Eye View (2013) introduced him as a rising voice in Australian hip-hop, followed by his 2017 album Train of Thought, which won Best Independent Hip Hop Album at the AIR Awards.
His 2021 release LEGACY addressed themes around the Stolen Generations and included features from Missy Higgins, Ngaiire and Thom Crawford.
Fred Leone, who has Aboriginal, Tongan and South Sea Islander heritage, builds traditional soundscapes using his voice, Didgeridoo (Kuluru), boomerangs (Bargan), Emu egg (Ngurunj), tree branches, sand, and other objects from K'gari (Fraser Island).
He has toured extensively and performed with artists including Public Enemy, Dead Prez, John Butler, Xavier Rudd and Amanda Palmer.
"Much love to Uncle Richard and all the Mob involved. Play this loud so they can hear us in the back, again and again!" Uncle Fred said.
"This one's for us mob. Butchulla to the world," Bridz added.
The pair will perform live at Wonthaggi's Union Theatre on Saturday 5 July as part of early NAIDOC Week celebrations.
The track is now available via streaming platforms.
