4ZZZ community unites for 50 years of Deadly

Music and culture would look a lot different in Brisbane if community radio station 4ZZZ wasn't started back in 1975.

In 1974, the NAIDOC committee decided that celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture would extend into a week-long event, coinciding with 4ZZZ broadcasting in 1975.

Starting as a student-led community radio station at the University of Queensland, 4ZZZ has played a major role in shaping and sharing the music, cultural and political sense of Brisbane over the last 50 years and has always been a station that recognises and champions local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists as part of its programming.

4ZZZ were recently awarded a lifetime achievement award at the Queensland Music Awards, which saw them recognised for the impact they have made in Brisbane and across Queensland. 4ZZZ were also a recipient of a NAIDOC grant.

We caught up with Nick Stephan, 4ZZZ Station Manager, to ask some questions about NAIDOC Week, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, and their upcoming community broadcast and gathering.

Q&A with Nick Stephan

Q: How did it feel for 4ZZZ to get the funding to hold the Community Broadcast and Gathering for NAIDOC Week?

A: Great—as a station that runs primarily on donations and sponsorship and is about 90% volunteer operated, to be able to receive some additional funding to mark this significant event is greatly appreciated.

Q: As a community-led radio station that is a massive part of the music, cultural and activism scene in Brisbane, how important is it to have days like this where you get to do your normal thing in a different way?

A: We are always looking for different ways to broadcast diverse community perspectives, if we can host them at the station, all the better. I love bringing people into 4ZZZ, so they can see it and appreciate it for the unique place it is. So, hosting an event like this is incredibly powerful for multiple reasons.

Q: So, NAIDOC Week is turning 50 and 4ZZZ recently also just turned 50. Coincidence? What does this year’s theme , ‘50 years of Deadly’, mean to 4ZZZ?

A: 4ZZZ has championed First Nations perspectives since day one, but more can always be done. '50 Years of Deadly' is important because it marks 4ZZZ's continued commitment to championing First Nations voices and perspectives.

Q: How important are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to the contemporary music landscape in Queensland?

A: Incredibly so, our local music scene is brimming with First Nations talent and there is always something new and interesting being released.

Q: What does 4ZZZ do with its programming and community events to celebrate and champion First Nations artists and voices?

A: We have multiple shows created and presented by First Nations presenters, but across the grid and across the station, First Nations voices and music is consistently featured.

Q: Who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artists that are on the rise right now that you are loving? Who do we need to watch?

A: Locally, Badassmutha. Elsewhere in Australia, Keanu Nelson.

Q: Who is in the lineup for the community broadcast, what can people expect on the day and how can they help 4ZZZ celebrate 50 years of Deadly?

A: The community broadcast and gathering is on Saturday 11 July and will feature performances by Arianna, J4HZEN Feat. SoulJahzzz and Bala Rontu.

The Soul-Jah Sistars and Indigi-Briz programs will be bringing the vibes, with food and refreshments available.

Image supplied

You can find out more about the 4ZZZ Community Broadcast and Gathering on the 4ZZZ website.