Emma Donovan

This concert showcases the talent and the new work of celebrated, ARIA-nominated, award-winning
Indigenous singer and songwriter Emma Donovan.

The 80min concert with Emma and her band (plus interval) will include her trademark soul/country songs and new music recorded in Gumbaynggirr and Noongar languages. Emma proudly is one of the First Nations artists, spearheading efforts to put traditional languages on the music map. She will also share stories, providing her audiences with an understanding of Country and community.

Joining Emma (vocals/ukulele) with be Steve Magnusson (guitar) & Samuel Anning (double bass).

“I am very proud to introduce new words and share languages with audiences and fans. It’s so  important to preserve this part of our history, family and country. For me to write my solo album, I needed to go back into my own family musical archives to rediscover the country music I was raised on and that I performed. My solo work will be richly influenced by my family and memories of touring with The Donovans performing country and gospel music. My family’s musical history is known but not yet world renowned. This project will shine a light on Indigenous music culture, sharing stories and preserving language in song. I want to share my story with Australia and the world, and I want\ audiences to hear my songs and languages to enhance their knowledge of our expansive history of this country.”

- Emma Donovan -

“Emma’s voice is everything you’d want in a soul singer. She’s the real deal.” – Wax Poetics

"Donovan can front a well-oiled soul band in her sleep” – Rolling Stone

Emma first appeared on the stage with the renowned family band The Donovans, performing church song renditions with her mother Agnes, her five uncles and maternal grandparents Micko and Aileen.Since then, Emma has toured & recorded with the best in the Australian music scene including Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Paul Grabowsky, Spinifex Gum and the late Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter. Emma is also well known for her work with the highly regarded Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks & the extraordinary Black Arm Band project. Her collaboration with The Putbacks has won multiple awards including best Soul/RnB album 2021 (Crossover) and 2022 (Under These Streets) at the AIR Awards and Best Soul, Funk R&B or Gospel Act, Best Group and Best Album for ‘Crossover’ at the 2021 Music Victoria Awards.