Rising First Nations artist ICONYX has paid tribute to Archie Roach with a powerful cover of his song “Mulyawongk”, which also marks her debut single.
It’s the first release from her upcoming album Blak on Trak, out next month via Skinnyfish Music. ICONYX performed “Mulyawongk” for the first time at the Perth Festival last week, opening for the one and only Emily Wurramara.
The song is especially meaningful to the East Kimberley artist, who received permission from Roach to reimagine it. Just weeks before his passing, Roach heard her version and said, “ICONYX has taken this song to another level.”
Since then, ICONYX has kept the cover as Roach approved through his manager Jill Shelton. Amos Roach, connected to the song’s story, also gave his approval, with artwork by Kendra Morrison accompanying the release.
“Mulyawongk” blends modern folk, blues, and storytelling, with strong cultural themes. Roach, in a previous interview with Beat Magazine, explained that the Mulyawongk is an ancestral being who guards the Murray River for the Ngarrindjeri people, saying, “Other people might call it a bunyip. And there’s nothing really to fear from a Mulyawongk – unless you hurt the river.” He added, “You might have gotten away from the river, but the Mulyawongk will always call you back.”
For ICONYX, paying tribute to Roach is both a huge responsibility and a privilege. “Archie Roach is a legend of Australian music, and getting the chance to pay respect to his legacy with ‘Mulyawongk’ feels like both a huge responsibility and absolute privilege. I really hope it hits home with everyone who listens,” she says.
At just 17, ICONYX is making her mark as a powerful up-and-coming voice in contemporary Aboriginal Australian music. Her debut album Blak on Trak, which blends hip-hop with traditional storytelling, will be available on March 21st. The album reflects her Kukatja, Pintupi mob roots and her life growing up in Whadjuk, Noongar Boodja.
ICONYX will launch her album at the Bina Biddi Showcase at Perth’s Night Owl Studio on album release day.
ICONYX’s “Mulyawongk” is out now via Skinnyfish Music.
