Writing for our future

Emma Donovan has been wowing audiences since she was a child and continues to live a musical legacy: one filled with soul, a love of her people and culture, and a desire to share language with all who listen. 

First Nations storytelling through songwriting is a powerful vehicle for bringing people to the table to understand reconciliation. It is often the first way non-Indigenous people learn of First Nations peoples’ lived experiences. 

When thinking about which song she would love every Australian to sit down and truly absorb, one clear choice comes to mind, Auntie Ruby Hunter’s Welcome to All People. 

‘I was thinking of that song the other day, how beautifully generous a person like Ruby Hunter was with her songwriting,’ Emma said. 

‘I think that’s just a natural thing that Aboriginal Mob do in our stories and our songs: we are open, we are beyond generous, and we love to share that when we’re proud.’ 

‘There is a songbook of Aboriginal songs that we have grown to know and that keep us steady as people. 

‘More of the non-Indigenous community are getting familiar with those tunes. They want to own them too. I have faith in that.’ 

Emma’s cover of Billie Eilish’s Birds of a Feather with Drifting Clouds went viral online during NAIDOC Week 2026, with new and younger fans falling in love with the in-language translation for Triple J’s Like a Version. 

‘I’d love her [Eilish] to do a language song. We’re always covering these white songs. We’re doing it to try and make a statement; we’re translating big iconic songs to language to put our stamp on it. 

‘What if it was the other way around, that would help too. So, if Billie Eilish wants to record any of my songs, I hope she chooses my language ones.’ 

But with an ever-changing music landscape, Emma looks to the future with both hope and concern. 

‘The biggest thing that I worry for, is what our young people see now; they’re going to follow in our footsteps. 

‘They’re also going to have their own strengths and ways that they want to create and do things as well. 

‘I also know that there’s younger Mob coming after us that are into more of the I.T world, and they will use those platforms. 

‘How do we have these conversations about keeping our integrity, keeping things organic?’ 

For Emma, First Nations artists staying true to their artform and continuing to share culture and language needs to remain a focus going forward. 

‘We’re writing for our future, especially when there’s language involved. When I write in language, I feel like it’s not mine – it’s open to my community. There’s an invitation for non- Indigenous Mob to learn our language. They’ll get to know us a lot more. 

‘There’s so much music out there. There’s so much Blak music and Blak excellence that we celebrate in the music industry.’ 

Emma’s performance at the Indigenous Governance Awards 2026 will see music and business meet in a celebration of culture and First Nations excellence. 

‘Like any event that commemorates and celebrates specific people in our community, I’m always honoured just to come and perform and play. 

‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses are just next level. I’ve seen businesses start and evolve from when I was younger. I think we’ve come a long way and there’s also the support of our own Mob helping. 

‘When you get invited to community celebrations, it’s a whole other thing. You know your Mob’s listening.’ 

Emma Donovan’s current creative influences 

Emma cites her current creative influences as Bumpy, Kee’ahn, Miss Kaninna and Barkaa with special shout outs to Kaylene Whiskey – ‘I think she’s the future. She’s a true beacon and living proof that we can have these superheroes and dream whatever we want in this world’ – and to South Summit, who she discovered at the National Indigenous Music Awards this year. ‘They’re unreal. They’re awesome live. I love their new album and love what they’re singing about.’ 

Listen to Emma’s music via emmadonovan.com