An artist-led professional development residency program, the Generations – Western Sydney Music (Early Career) Fellowship is one of the commitments included in the NSW Government’s 10-year Creative Communities policy. It is delivered in partnership by Create NSW, Powerhouse, Blacktown Arts, and Australian music management and events company Vyva Entertainment.
Each Fellow receives $25,000 funding plus in-kind support during their six-month residency, including studio space in Blacktown and industry mentoring and networking facilitated by Vyva Entertainment.
An industry assessment panel selected the Fellowship recipients from a high number of quality applications. The three recipients in 2024 are:
- FRIDAY* (real name Fabian Odame) is a second-generation Ghanaian-Australian musician living in Western Sydney. FRIDAY* produces energetic anthemic numbers and connects with like-minded creatives in the process.
- Gemma Navarrete is a Chilean/Italian singer-songstress from Western Sydney. She is known for her concise, poetic lyricism and RnB/pop-infused tunes that reflect the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.
- Yellowline is a collective that embodies the spirit of Western Sydney's diverse Hip Hop community. Their music is an expression of their individual identities and a unified chorus that celebrates cultural diversity and shared aspirations. As a collective, Biggs685, ElijahYo, MRVZ, and MKAY aim to redefine the landscape of Australian Hip Hop, making it an inclusive space where positive and uplifting messages challenge the status quo and ignite change.
Create NSW Chief Executive, Annette Pitman said:
“Create NSW is proud to play a role in nurturing the incredible talent that is emerging in Western Sydney through our Generations Music (Early-Career) Fellowship. Selecting these remarkable musicians from a highly-competitive field, bursting with potential, was a difficult task and I congratulate FRIDAY*, Gemma Navarrete and Yellowline on what will be a career-defining residency.
Head of Sound NSW, Emily Collins said:
“The contemporary music scene in Western Sydney is brimming with exciting talent. With support and guidance from program partners Powerhouse, Blacktown Arts and Vyva Entertainment, our 2024 Fellows have an incredible opportunity to take their careers to the next level.”
Powerhouse Chief Executive, Lisa Havilah said:
“Powerhouse is excited to work with FRIDAY*, Gemma Navarrete and Yellowline as part of our ongoing commitment to sustain individual creative practice and support and nurture the creative industries across Western Sydney. We are proud to be delivering this program in partnership with Blacktown Arts and Vyva Entertainment to help amplify the incredible creativity emerging from Western Sydney.”
Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Brad Bunting said:
“Blacktown City welcomes live music and creatives to our City and its precincts. Blacktown is a hub for contemporary music, drawing artists from across Western Sydney and NSW to collaborate, celebrate and create. It’s all happening in Blacktown and we couldn’t be prouder of the next generation. Music is vital to the culture of Blacktown City and this partnership will amplify the next generation of leading artists and creatives.”
Find out more about Generations - Western Sydney Music (Early Career) Fellowship program and read about previous fellows' experiences.
Find out more about Create NSW grants and funding opportunities.
