Proud Noongar/Wongi man Joshua Eggington, AKA Flewnt from Boorloo, began his distinguished career as a rapper as "just me, a pen, and a pad —writing bars and dreaming big", he told National Indigenous Times.

Flewnt, who has been nominated for the 7 News Indigenous Community Leadership award, describes the art of rap as "contemporary storytelling"; as Aboriginal intergenerational transmission of knowledge has been oral and the tales of Indigenous Country run deep into music and dance.

Another big achievement "has been creating Banksia Beats Volumes - working with young people in youth detention, helping them find their voice through music in a space where they need it the most", he said.

Cultural identity through self-expression helps empower youth within the justice system to build resilience and create an identity during their formative years of being incarcerated. Artistic expression culminates in the ability to emotionally process the adversities that Indigenous teens experience in custody.

"Through music and leadership, I see it as an opportunity to speak our truth, honour each other, and acknowledge the ones who do the hard work to care for our people," Flewnt said.

Mr Eggington expressed the importance of weaving culture into musical expression, as Blak expression is a form of decolonisation.

One of his proudest moments was seeing his son Inkabee and his brother J.J. Vacant debut at his Block Party as "those moments hit different because they're about family and legacy".

Flewnt and Inkabee are no strangers to electrifying a stage, receiving a standing ovation from the judges of America's Got Talent last year in their auditions with their original song "We Dat Good".

Flewnt builds community along his journey and has been fortunate to connect with people who share his vision and values, he attributes his success to a team effort that is rewarding.

"Together, we built a team, created high-level art, and earned the respect of our community".

Success to Flewnt initially was "making a living doing something I love - something impactful, that teaches, that heals."

Growing deeper into the understanding of success he shares: "It's about seeing young people find their voice, platforming the next generation".

"Success is doing my best to empower my people and leave something behind that helps them stand strong".

As mob, success is a community effort where succeeding means bringing others along to the journey and looking forward. Establishing a safe space for youth and supporting their transition, Flewnt has opened his Willagee studio to give youth a safe space to get into tune with their art and build more aspiring artists.

Creating more representation in the music industry honours the root of truth-telling and brings more attention to the hardships that Indigenous youth often receive vilification resulting in dehumanisation. Speaking on their experiences through music humanises their experiences and shifts the stigmatisation of youth crime.

The 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards will be held on Friday 27 June 2025 at Pan Pacific, Perth/Boorloo. Visit the Humanitix website to purchase your tickets today.