Black Robin brings unique sounds of The Chatham Islands to the Indian Ocean Territories

Black Robin brings unique sounds of The Chatham Islands to the Indian Ocean Territories

Annalee Ladiges

The Australian Government and Regional Arts WA are excited to bring Black Robinto Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) this June.

Audiences across the Indian Ocean Territories are set to experience the raw beauty and cultural richness of The Chatham Islands through the music of Black Robin. Hailing from a remote archipelago off New Zealand’s East Coast, Black Robin’s frontman Ajay Ataera, draws inspiration for his raw and often haunting sounds from the rugged landscapes and wild weather of his homeland.

Black Robin, image by Tony Allwright

Now based in Western Australia, Black Robin’s unique blend of music fuses rock, blues, soul and reggae with indigenous sounds influenced by Ajay’s Moriori, Māoriand Rarotongan culture.

Black Robin have graced the stage with many Australian and New Zealand music legends including Mental As Anything, Diesel, Sons of Zion and Tiki Taane.Ajay said Black Robin are excited to be visiting the communities of the Indian OceanTerritories for the first time:

“The band and I so excited for the upcoming tour and to share my culture and thestories from my small island home with the communities of both Christmas andCocos Islands. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. Me Rongo (in peace)”

Hailing from the Chatham Islands, a remote archipelago off New Zealand’s East Coast, Black Robin’s frontman Ajay Ataera draws inspiration from the rugged surroundings, which has shaped his sound and identity as an artist. Born and raised on the Chatham Islands, Ajay has a deep connection to the land, people, and community, which is reflected in his music.

Black Robin, image by Tony Allwright

A unique blend of mixed genre infused with the spirit of Ajay’s island home, Black Robin’s music is a testament to the power of community and the importance of cultural heritage. The songs and stories are a window into the world of the Chatham Islands, offering a glimpse into a way of life there that is both contemporary and traditional.

As Moriori, Maori and Rarotongan, Black Robin are proud to celebrate their cultural heritage through their music and share it with the people. Their lyrics often touch on themes of ancestral connections, stories, and all things integral to being from a small place and tight knit community. The wild weather of the Chatham Islands has also influenced Black Robin’s music, which can be both raw and haunting.

For more information visit https://regionalartswa.org.au/presenting/iot-touring-2023/

The Australian Government, through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, provides funding to the WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Regional Arts WA, Arts and Culture Christmas Island and the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands to bring arts to the Indian Ocean Territories.