Yung Warriors hail from a long line of proud indigenous ancestry. Their maternal grandfather is Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, one of the most collected and renowned of Australian Aboriginal artists, his paintings are held in galleries and collections all over the world including the National Gallery of Australia. Tjiimba Possum Burns is a young man from the Yorta Yorta tribe, Barmah forest and also a Anangu, Luritja and Anmatyerr man from the Northern Territory. Growing up in the music industry he accompanied his father Selwyn Burns (Coloured Stone, Mixed Relations, Blackfire) on stage as a child, first gripping the mic as an MC at the age of 15. Joelistics of TZU was an early source of inspiration to young Tjiimba after he saw them perform. He says he didn’t even realize that Australians wrote hip hop and from that moment ‘freaked out and started writing’. Joelistics proved to be a prominent mentor to the young Tjiimba, taking him to his own gigs and encouraging him to get up on stage. In the seven years since, Tjiimba has not stopped writing and performing, also combining his skills as a musician on guitar, bass and keyboard with producing beats. As a lyricist he has carved a new niche as a rapper with an emphasis on conscious and cultural content. D-Boy doesn’t just share the stage with Tjiimba but shares the blood that makes them brothers. He also has the desert blood of the Anangu, Luritja and Anmatyerr. The spark and flow that rolls off the stage is a testament to the dynamic they have developed as brothers and artists. Able to produce his own beats, he has developed his own smooth style of vocal delivery drawing inspiration from reggae, jazz, alternative rock and of course, other hip hop. As a young indigenous rapper he is proud to represent his people and be a role model for the younger generation. Outside the studio Yung Warriors continue to actively support their community and lift the standards of the indigenous hip hop movement. Referred to in some circles as "Australia's leading Indigenous and cultural music ambassadors", these titles don't come easy, and the Yung Warriors don’t wear it lightly. As Tjiimba says, hence the name of the album, its Yung Warriors message to their young people; “Keep your head up and if you’re doing your thing, don’t let people pull you down, just stand strong”.
Yung Warriors Last Played
Yung Warriors Australian Tour 2012
Yung Warriors 'Standing Strong' Australian Tour 2012