From her childhood on Groote Eylandt, a remote island in Australia’s Northern Territory, to her teenage years in Brisbane, Emily Wurramara grew up surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of her Aboriginal and Filipino roots. The blending of her mother’s Anindilyakwa heritage and her father’s Filipino-Visayan background has profoundly influenced her identity and continues to shape her career as a singer-songwriter, guiding her unique musical style and storytelling.
Growing up, Emily was always immersed in music. Early on, she discovered her love for performing before her family, whose passion for music sparked the flame that would eventually lead her into the industry.
Emily recalls, “I think singing started from both my father and my mother’s side. My father being Filipino, we had karaoke parties all the time, and one day I got up to sing. My lola (grandmother) told me I had a nice voice. I think that moment sparked something in me to want to pursue singing.”
Her music, deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, reflects the fusion of her two backgrounds. Emily draws on the traditions and experiences of her Anindilyakwa heritage, the Aboriginal language spoken on Groote Eylandt, alongside the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Filipino culture.
Emily’s unique perspective and talent have gained her recognition in the Australian music scene, and she has become a powerful voice for both Aboriginal and Filipino communities. Her ability to blend these two distinct cultures through song has not only enriched her music but has also allowed her to connect deeply with her audience, telling stories of love, identity, and cultural pride.
“I’m proud of my Aboriginal and Filipino heritage,” Emily says. “It’s a part of who I am, and it influences everything I do in my music. I weave both sides of my roots into my songs, and I want my music to reflect both my cultural backgrounds. It’s something I’m really passionate about, and I’m honoured to share it with the world.”
Emily’s musical journey is more than just a career—it’s a celebration of her heritage and a tribute to the powerful blend of cultures that have shaped her into the artist she is today. As she continues to grow as an artist, she remains committed to telling the stories of her people, honouring the traditions of her ancestors, and using music as a means of cultural expression and empowerment.