When Stan Walker and Kobie Dee catch up, there’s nothing but love. Growing up watching Walker on Australian Idol — the singer and actor won the seventh season of the show — rapper Dee, a Gomeroi man from Sydney, could only admire Walker from afar. As fate would have it, the pair eventually teamed up on the single “Father’s Eyes”, a powerful track celebrating fatherhood, breaking generational cycles, and their Indigenous roots.
2024 has been a huge year for these Aussie and NZ brothers. Walker’s song “I AM” landed in Ava DuVernay’s film Origin, and he’s been putting out some of his most personal and affecting music yet, while Dee’s EP Chapter 26 has firmly established him as a rising force.
Their conversation runs deep, touching upon being dads, staying true to their culture, and leaving a legacy for the next generation.
Dee: Where are you?
Walker: I’m back home in Whanganui. We’re just starting to feel the warmth. But I’ve been in Sydney and Bali — Bali was next-level hot!
Dee: I’m off to Moree tomorrow; it’s in the 30s there. Just got back from Tasmania, which was a mix of cold and hot. It reminded me of Auckland, especially in Hobart.
Walker: Yeah, a lot of people compare Tasmania and New Zealand. I haven’t been yet, but I’ll get there one day.
Dee: That was my first time in Tasmania. I had a show in Hobart.
Walker: Oh, let’s go!
Dee: Me and Miss Kaninna did a co-headline, and it was sold out. It was packed in there!
Walker: That’s gangster. So, you’ve been
on tour?
Dee: Yeah, for my Chapter 26 tour. Moree is the last show, then a few more festivals.
Walker: Right on! I see your photos; you’ve been every which way. You’re inspiring me to train — I look at you and think, “Oh, this fella is ripped. I look like I have a dad bod!”
Dee: It’s literally just from my backyard setup. Just some turf and kettlebells; that’s all I use.
Walker: I need that summer body. I started walking and then ran for the first time. Two kilometres felt like a lot for me. I thought my knees would break the whole time.
Dee: No, that’s it. You just gotta build it up, walking, then light jogs, and get back into running. Didn’t you do the City2Surf years ago?
Walker: That was when I was a big boy. I didn’t even stretch — just threw on my skins. I ended up stopping for food along the way and injured both my calf muscles on that hill.
Dee: Heartbreak Hill?
Walker: That was the devil, man! It broke me.
Dee: How do we get into the song?
Walker: Bro, you break it down with us.
Dee: I’ve been performing “Father’s Eyes” live, and people have been coming up to me, sharing how much they connect with it and how it’s inspired them to do better. It’s special. You make these songs not knowing the impact until they’re out there. When I wrote my verses, I was doubting myself as a father — am I doing enough? I also reflected on not having my father around and chose a different path to break
that cycle.
Image: Stan Walker Credit: Supplied
Walker: It means even more to me now than when we made it. Especially after losing my dad, I’ve gained more perspective on my role as a father. I’m blessed to have had healing in the last two weeks with him. I never want to reach that point with my kids; I want to start from their first two weeks. We’re all young dads trying to undo the things we grew up with and set better examples for our kids. My ceiling will be their floor. That’s how I want it. Bro, thanks for coming over to Aotearoa and taking a chance on the song and me. Now when I see you doing your thing, I’m like, “Yeah, that’s my boy!”
Dee: No, thank you. You’re gonna have to come over to the studio.
Walker: Yeah, I’ve only heard good things. I want to come to a block party, bro.
Dee: For sure.
Walker: I’ve been inspired by what you’ve done for your community with those gigs. It’s so important to bring people together. You need to teach me how to do that here — communities are the heartbeat of the nation.
Dee: Thanks, man. Again I appreciate you being on the track. Especially since we both have such a deep understanding of each other’s cultures — me having Māori family and you growing up here. It’s powerful, and it’s something our kids will look back on as they grow older.
Walker: Same here, bro. We’ve talked about it a lot, but for me, it’s about creating something that leaves a legacy for the next generation. So when they forget who they are, they can look back and be reminded. Our cultures are powerful, and this connection is healing for our people. It was beautiful, bro. I almost cried a few times.
Dee: Yeah, some of the boys said, “That just filled my cup right up.” It made me feel so proud.
Walker: What have you got coming up?
Dee: I’ve been doing singing lessons, trying to expand my range — don’t think I’ll reach yours! I’m also experimenting with incorporating cultural instruments like the didgeridoo and clapsticks. I’ve set up a studio to bring local artists together because, as Indigenous people, we’re so creative. What about you, Mr. Worldwide? You’ve done interviews with Ziggy Marley and even brushed shoulders with Oprah!
Walker: It’s buzzy, bro. I just feel like, “Look at this little Māori boy out here.” But I’m entering a new season now, off the back of those last few releases. I’m like, “What do I write about now?” I know who I am and where I’m going, so I just want to make music I’m proud of. The first song I wrote recently was a letter to my kids, telling them to be whoever they want to be, not who I want them to be. I’ve also been tapping more into my culture’s sounds. We have such beautiful music like Kapa haka, and the world hasn’t fully seen it yet, especially in a mainstream setting. I want my songs to remind future generations of their roots and identity. Bro, I’m excited for what’s to come. It might flop, but as long as I’m happy… and I never told you this, but I’m finally an independent artist now! I released my first song independently after being signed for
15 years.
Dee: That’s mad. Congratulations.
Walker: Is your last show this Friday?
Dee: Yeah, and it’s going to be massive. I’m bringing my family — it’s been a while since I’ve been back on country.
Walker: BARKAA’s performing with you up there too, right?
Dee: Yeah, she’s performing there too.
Walker: Yeah, I love her. She reminds me of my girl cousins — hearty, heavyweight females, bro. For us, it’s a matriarchal culture. They’re the big boss dogs. You don’t mess with the women in my family.
Dee: A hundred per cent. Now is the time when our women are really stepping up and showing their strength. Did you see Lidia Thorpe the other day? [Senator Thorpe made headlines for criticising King Charles during his visit to Parliament House
in October.]
Image: Kobie Dee Credit: Jayy Slays
Walker: Yeah, same story, different country. People say it’s disrespectful, but after being quiet for so long, now our women are coming out strong. All power to them — they’ve got bigger balls than us men.
Dee: Yep, we’ll step back, but if things go down, we’re right there.
Walker: It’s such an empowering time to be Indigenous. Our gifts, talents, stories, culture, and history are finally getting their time in the light. Music has this unique power — it cuts across race and language, reaching people’s hearts. It’s a privilege, but it also comes with responsibility. We’re representing our own languages, on our own terms, and it’s a beautiful thing. I’ve been watching the rise of Indigenous people all over the world. It’s not about taking everything back, it’s about standing in our rightful place and helping bring people together. I’m proud of what you’re doing, bro. I’ve got your back anytime you need me.
Dee: Same here, brother. I’ve been following your journey since I saw you on Australian Idol. You’ve always inspired me. There are so many of us who’ve been watching your journey, and I’m grateful to be even a small part of it.
Walker: We on, bro.
Dee: Whenever I do something, I can hear your voice —“We on!”— in the back of my head.
Walker: My annoying voice, bro. I got that big-ass cackle. I sound like my bloody nana and my aunties, bro. Good to see you, man.
Dee: Good to see you brother.
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