DEM MOB DELIVERS URGENT NEW TRACK AND MUSIC VIDEO, ‘DIP’
DEM MOB’s latest track ‘DIP’ carries racial injustice to the fore with resounding resilience.
Hailing from the heart of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, pioneering hip-hop collective DEM MOB has released their latest single ‘DIP’ and its accompanying music, which confronts systemic racism and the pursuit of cultural identity.
‘DIP’ is a poignant portrayal of the everyday experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, shedding light on pervasive issues of prejudice and systemic discrimination. This focus has seen the tight, two-minute-17-second track move beyond music, transforming into an anthem of resilience and survival.
“The sensation of being labelled as criminals simply because of our skin colour is an everyday reality for us,” says DEM MOB’s Elisha Umuhuri. “Talk of equality and promises to treat Aboriginal people better are prevalent, yet we find ourselves judged as suspects unless we conform to certain expectations.”
On ‘DIP’, DEM MOB use their personal experiences to reflect the reality of Aboriginal Australians every day. Racial profiling and systemic injustice are two issues the collective calls out, spitting bars in both English and Pitjantjatjara as they call for much-needed reform.
The music video for ‘DIP’ is just as impactful. Directed by Natasha Wanganeen, the clip amplifies the track’s messages by visualising the stark reality faced by First Nations communities. Filmed at O’Sullivans Beach Friendly Grocer and Brickworks Car Park, the video features powerful performances by Tyrone Power, David Collins, Alice Schied and more.
DEM MOB closed out 2023 with five SA Music Awards to their name and festival slots at Primavera Sound in Spain and Beer & BBQ Fest under their belt. And if ‘DIP’ is anything to go by, the groundbreaking, trailblazing collective is making strong moves to soar past the success they saw last year.
“Music serves as our last link to our heritage,” reflects Jontae Lawrie. “It remains the one aspect of our culture that remains untouched.”
Keep up to date with DEM MOB online here. Stream ‘DIP’ here.
