Wik and Solomon Islander multidisciplinary artist Ziggy Ramo returns with the second taste of his upcoming album Human? with a tender but incredibly powerful single “Shame”.
The album Human? due for release on 12 July is part of a multi-medium project which has been in the works for many years. Ziggy’s debut non-fiction book of the same name, written in conjunction with the album was released on 1 May.
The book has been highly praised, with Junkee Media applauding Ziggy’s ability to connect and create important conversations, citing him as “one of Australia’s most important artists”.
The first single from his album, “Banamba” has drawn support from the likes of Rolling Stone Australia, NME, Milky and more, commended for its fearless calls for change. “Shame” follows suit by personifying Ziggy’s complex relationship with Australia to represent the constant dehumanisation his people are forced to endure in their home country.
Ziggy shared, “Every day I wake up and I want to escape, yet this is my home, and my people are suffering; I refuse to leave. Yet the cycle of oppression, that has been in constant motion for the last 236 years, will remain unless our nation confronts its shame.”
Ramo recently appeared at the Melbourne Writers Festival on 11 and 12 May to speak about his debut memoir and historical reckoning as well as performing at Melbourne’s music showcase Resonate on 17 May at The Bowery Theatre.
Winning FBi Album of the Year for both his 2020 debut Black Thoughts and 2023’s Sugar Coated Lies, Ziggy Ramo continues to floor the industry with his vital and powerful messages, commanding the attention of listeners and commentators around the country. A true visionary, Ziggy Ramo draws upon his lived experiences to offer a vulnerable insight into the effects of settler colonialism and institutional racism, grappling with what it means to live on stolen land.
The underlying themes of these albums have been mirrored on the small screen, with Ziggy making his acting and composer debut, starring and scoring in the Stan original series Black Snow, produced by Goalpost Pictures. Black Snow is a gripping six-part mystery drama set in North Queensland, with deep ties to the Australian South Sea Islander community.
Sugar Coated Lies was Feature Album on triple j and RTRFM, Album of the Week on FBi Radio, took home the Record of the Year prize at the FBi SMAC awards, and made the Best Albums of the Year lists for Rolling Stone and Happy Mag. Ziggy was also recently nominated for an AIR Award for Best Independent Hip Hop Album for Sugar Coated Lies.
A visionary in all areas of his art, Ziggy’s rendition of Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” featuring icon Christine Anu floored the triple j Like A Version studio, before sharing the mic with Wergaia/Wemba Wemba woman Alice Skye for their release “Sugar Coated Lies”.
Ziggy Ramo’s debut book Human? is available now. Stay tuned further details on the accompanying visual art exhibition, crafted by Wik and Australian South Sea Islander artist Brydi Fatnowna.
“Shame” is available now.
Ziggy Ramo’s forthcoming album Human? is available 12 July 2024
“Shame”
Written by Ziggy Ramo & Lewis Mitchell
Produced by Ziggy Ramo & Lewis Mitchell
String Arrangements by Zoë Barry
Strings performed by Zoë Barry, Brigid Connor, Leigh Raymond, Rachael Sooji Kim, & Caroline Webster
Additional vocals by vonn
Mixed by Lewis Mitchell
Mastered by Darren Ziesing
Artwork by Brydi Fatnowna
Available now