'Keep pushing, keep trying', says 2019 Young Australian of the Year
Danzal Baker has seen a lot of his young peers waste their talent. But the tenacious indigenous hip-hop artist is determined not to take that road.
"Life is too short, so do the most you can before you get old,” the 22-year-old said in an interview last year.
"I can't predict my future, but I treat every day like it's my last day on Earth, trying to do as much as I can."
Mr Baker on Friday was announced as winner of the coveted Young Australian of the Year award – recognised for his work across rap, dance, acting and graffiti.
Representing the Northern Territory, Mr Baker - who performs under his hip-hop moniker Baker Boy – first came to prominence in 2017 when his single Marryuna finished 17th in Triple J's Hottest 100.
He has become a role model for Indigenous youth, encouraging them to embrace their culture and become leaders.
Mr Baker grew up in the remote Arnhem Land communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida. Before learning he had won the top honour, Mr Baker said he would use the potential platform to help young Indigenous people “build their confidence and be what [they] want to be”.
“I’ve seen with my own eyes when I was a kid, a lot of young people who had many talents but lost [their way] from not having enough confidence and not enough education,” he said.
“I want to inspire the next generation to keep pushing and keep trying.”
Mr Danzal, who raps in his Yolngu Matha language as well as English, also believes that non-Indigenous people have plenty to learn about the history of the first Australians.
“I’d love to see that change, I think it’s really important,” he said.
“I get to perform in front of a lot of people, different races as well. When I’m on the stage I use that as a time to educate through music.”
The Young Australian of the Year award recognises exceptional citizens aged 16 to 30. Mr Baker succeeds last year’s winner, footballer Samantha Kerr.