Christine Anu’s Torres Strait Islander heritage has undoubtedly shaped her identity as one of Australia’s most iconic female entertainers.
“My cultural heritage was always going to be a driving force,” she tells Newcastle Weekly.
Later this month, Anu will treat her Newcastle fans to an intimate, stripped-back set that fuses some of her most-loved songs with the stories behind them.
Christine Anu: in Conversation and Song delves into personal anecdotes about Anu’s life and successes in the entertainment industry, her advocacy work for diversity and inclusion and the importance of First Nations culture, language and songlines.
“I can’t wait to share my music with Newcastle,” Anu says.
“I’m also looking forward to sharing the stories behind my music – stories some may not know about my life, my music and my work.”
Born in Cairns, Queensland, Anu’s maternal family hailed from Saibai Island, off the south coast of Papua New Guinea, while her father came from Mabuiag, closer to the centre of Torres Strait.
Anu began her career as a dancer, studying for five years and later performing with Indigenous dance company Bangarra.
She went on to sing back-up vocals for the Rainmakers with Neil Murray of the Warumpi Band.
Anu’s version of My Island Home became her trademark, which was inducted into the Sounds of Australia Registry alongside Midnight Oil and The Wiggles.
She is currently working on two studio albums and a possible movie – none of which she can reveal a timeframe for just yet – and hosts national radio show, Evenings, across Australia on Friday and Saturday nights on ABC Radio.
No longer as involved with dance as she once was, Anu admits bands like Yothu Yindi are “keeping it fresh” while she forges a new path, revelling in the intimate performances like those on her current tour.
Christine Anu: in Conversation and Song has seen her perform in cosy, out-of-the-square spaces such as schools and portrait galleries.
The Newcastle show is one of the last on the tour and for the year.
Christine Anu performs live at Lizotte’s Newcastle on Saturday 20 July.
Tickets are available at lizottes.com.au
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