It’s been an extraordinary, life changing twelve months for Newcastle group The Last Kinection, but they are back with a new lease on life, a strong sense of purpose, and a national tour to officially launch their debut album ‘Nutches’.
The Last Kinection formed in 2006 by siblings Joel (Weno) and Naomi Wenitong from the Kabi-Kabi mob of south-east Queensland, and Jacob Turier (aka DJ Jaytee). Weno is a former member of Local Knowledge, who won Music Oz Best Indigenous Artist in 2005, a Deadly Award for Best Group and performed for Triple J’s Live At The Wireless. Naomi has been involved with music for a number of years, most notably from her role in female two-piece Shakaya, who toured with Kylie Minogue, Usher and Destiny’s Child. The third member Jacob Turier has been making beats and playing to crowds for the better part of a decade. A seasoned performer, he has played Big Day Out, Obese Block Party Tour, The Great Escape Festival and Homebake while his sought after productions skills have been utilised by the likes of Briggs, Radical Son, Prem Bedlam and Brothablack.
The group cut their teeth with their first show to an audience of 13,000 people at the Stylin’ Up festival in Brisbane in 2006. Since then, they have graced many large stages including the Brisbane’s River Festival, The Woodford Dreaming Festival, The Sydney State Theatre for the ‘Cannot Buy My Soul’ sell out concert series and the Newcastle Civic Theatre.
Late 2008, the group was on the pathway to success. Their ‘Nutches’ album was set for release, they had performed at a sellout Groovin’ The Moo, The Becks Festival Bar and Sydney Opera House and were on a National tour supporting The Herd. Their explosive sets were receiving rave reviews it seemed that 2008 had well and truly launched them onto the scene, what came next no-one could have predicted….
On the road, driving back after the last show of The Herd tour, the band was involved in a horrific accident which changed their lives, leaving Naomi and Jacob seriously injured. Aside from the physical impact of the accident, Naomi also suffered post-traumatic amnesia, causing her to have to learn to walk and sing again. Her journey to recovery is nothing short of inspiring.
The trio returned to the stage in 2009 with a massive gig supporting Public Enemy in Newcastle. They also opened Australia Day celebrations on the Aqua Shell at The Rocks in Sydney and rocked the stage at Stylin’ Up 09 in Brisbane.
The Last Kinection’s album ‘Nutches’ is a soundtrack to the lives the band members have lived as young Indigenous Australians (Murries) living an urban life. Their unique brand of Hip Hop is infused with reggae, traditional chants, colloquialisms and instruments. With thought provoking lyrics range from contemporary concepts to traditional notions with a positive and inspiring undertone, the groups aim is to entertain yet empower people with a respect for culture through music and image.
Set to tour their energetic and big beat pumping show during July and August, The Last Kinection’s ‘Propa Mad Deadly’ tour is proudly supported by Triple J. Supporting nationally is the highly talented Impossible Odds from Brisbane, launch his self titled E.P. Delivering a solid Australian Hip Hop sound fused with influences from Gospel, to smooth laid back Pacific Island style harmonies inherited from his Tongan roots Impossible Odds rounds things off perfectly with The Last Kinection.
After an emotional charged period in their lives, the ‘Propa Mad Deadly’ tour sparks an exciting new phase for The Last Kinection as they give their album ‘Nutches’ the celebration it deserves.