In a massive coup for Kuranda Roots Festival, this year will see the awe-inspiring, multi-award winning musician, Archie Roach, take to the stage as an acclaimed headline act.

As one of Australia’s truly gifted artists, Roach will bring an element of sophistication and intimacy to the Far North Queensland music festival.

Archie Roach was recently recognised for his profound contribution to the nation when he was awarded a NAIDOC (National Lifetime Achievement Award). Roach’s contribution was celebrated at a ceremony held at the Sydney Opera House and an apt acknowledgement of the impact this man has had on Australia not only as an amazing musician, but as a strong individual.

Everyone has a turning point that sets them on their chosen path and it was the relationship with his partner, the late Ruby Hunter, and discoveries about his history that acted as this for Roach.

His struggles as an Indigenous Australian saw him take strength from his experiences, and set him on the path of a musical career that would garner him fans from every corner of the country, and an incredible amount of respect.  

Roach and Hunter shared a love of music and embraced their roots as Aborigines and opened their doors to those in need, as well as embracing and raising their own family proudly in their culture.

It is evident that family is something that forefront for Roach as he is joined in song by his son, Amos Roach on bass and his nephew, Dave Arden on guitar and vocals. Together, the bond between these musicians evokes emotion and spirit that has to be seen to be believed.

Roach recorded his first album, Charcoal Lane in 1990 with Paul Kelly as its producer. Roach portrays intimate stories of his own life through his music. Took The Children Away, a leading song from his first album, elicits a haunting message embodying a real-life story of a child being taken from its family at an early age and placed with another, now commonly referred to as the stolen generation.

The album led to the first Human Rights Award granted to a songwriter as well as going on to win two prestigious ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) awards. In 1992 the album achieved Gold status in Australia and was also in the US Rolling Stone’s Top 50 albums that same year.

Through his music and generosity, Roach has become somewhat of an ambassador for the indigenous people and particularly those belonging to the stolen generation. A solid and successful recording history backs this musical legend and continues to stir audiences world-wide with intimate and thought provoking performances.

The spirit of this exceptional and talented musician will without a doubt be welcomed warmly at this year’s Kuranda Roots Festival. Kuranda Roots Festival is held at Kuranda Amphitheatre on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 July. Tickets are on sale now and available from www.kurandaroots.com.