Gamilaroi artist Mitch Tambo is travelling across the country with his I AM ME schools tour, using music, storytelling and culture to inspire young people and encourage self-belief.

The tour has seen Mr Tambo visit schools, youth hubs and learning centres nationwide, creating safe spaces for students to reflect on identity, resilience and healing.

Mr Tambo told National Indigenous Times the tour was born out of a desire to give back and remain connected to young people.

"As much as my career keeps growing, I never want it to create a gap that makes what I do feel out of reach," he said.

"I needed to get back to the grassroots and show them that you can go through things in life - but that doesn't have to define who you are or your future."

In each performance, Mr Tambo shares his personal story while blending music, fashion and cultural symbolism.

His headdress features biliirr (red-tail black cockatoo) and emu feathers, with each element carrying meaning tied to strength and perseverance.

"I wear billiirr, who brought us fire," he said.

"For me, that symbolises being proud of who I am and keeping that fire burning.

"The emu, Dhinawan, can't walk backwards. That's a reminder to keep moving forward - even after a hard day."

The tour also includes deeper workshop sessions depending on the age and needs of each group.

Mr Tambo speaks openly about grief, violence, and overcoming hardship, often drawing from his own life.

"I've talked about losing my dad to cancer, growing up in a violent home, and the mates I've lost to drugs and accidents... and when you speak honestly, the kids open up," he said.

"I've had students come up mid-show and tell me about what they're going through like violence at home, losing family, or just feeling overwhelmed.

"These conversations are powerful."

The tour, which began in February, continues a national journey that began last year under the Walanbaa Youth Tour banner.

Mr Tambo said the goal remains the same; to create spaces where young people feel seen, heard and valued.

"I don't see myself as a celebrity," he said.

"I'm just someone who worked hard, walked through doors when they opened, and now I'm trying to give back.

"Kids are going through a lot and if I can help one of them feel hopeful, that means everything."

Mr Tambo is joined at select locations by his wife, West Papuan artist Voice of Lele, who shares her own story as a refugee and delivers programs for young women of colour.

Together, they aim to uplift and empower the next generation through music, culture and truth-telling.