Singer-songwriter and hip hop artist ICONYX will soon release her debut single ahead of her upcoming Blak on Trak album launch - out on March 21 via Skinnyfish Music.
Tiltilted "Mulyawongk", the new track is a powerful cover of Archie Roach's iconic ballad. This is a momentous time for the East Kimberley artist as she not only debuts this emotional tribute, but will take the stage at Perth Festival to open for renowned singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara.
The release of "Mulyawongk" holds special significance for ICONYX, as she has received explicit permission from Archie Roach himself to perform and re-imagine the track. Just a couple of weeks before his passing, Roach heard her version and said, "ICONYX has taken this song to another level".
Since then, her cover of the song has remained completely unchanged to honour the version that he loved and approved via his then-manager, Jill Shelton.
Amos Roach, whose hand is in the artwork by Kendra Morrison for "Mulyawongk" and who holds the bloodline of both the stories of this song, has also approved ICONYX's cover.
ICONYX expressed deep respect and appreciation for the opportunity to cover Archie Roach's "Mulyawongk," sharing that it is both a huge responsibility and privilege.
"Archie Roach is a legend of Australian music, and getting the chance to pay respect to his legacy with 'Mulyawongk' feels like both a huge responsibility and absolute privilege. I really hope it hits home with everyone who listens," she said.
Archie Roach's "Mulyawongk" blends elements of modern folk, blues, and storytelling traditions, with strong cultural and historical themes through Aboriginal narratives. In a previous article with Beat Magazine, Roach explained that the Mulyawongk is the ancestral being who guards the Murray River for the Ngarrindjeri people.
"Other people might call it a bunyip. And there's nothing really to fear from a Mulyawongk – unless you hurt the river. And Ruby, being a woman of the river, the Mulyawongk watches out for her spirit," he said.
"You might have gotten away from the river, but the Mulyawongk will always call you back."
Along with the single, ICONYX will continue to bring new life to this song with some spectacular visuals, with the "Mulyawongk" film clip also due to drop this week on YouTube.
With three of her songs having been nominated for WAM Awards in recent years and winning the Act Belong Commit category for her track "Dawn of the Future" in 2022, the talented singer continues to build upon her accomplishments year after year.
ICONYX will be launching her debut album at the Bina Biddi Showcase at Perth's Night Owl Studio on March 21st.
For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
