Baraka The Kid strikes a chord

GEELONG rapper Fiston Baraka has been named the winner of the Creative and Performing Arts Award at this year’s Victorian Multicultural Youth Awards.

The honour recognises a young person whose work showcases exceptional talent, originality and dedication to the arts. For Baraka, who performs under the moniker Baraka The Kid, the accolade marks another milestone in an already impressive journey.

Baraka grew up in a refugee camp in Zambia after his family fled the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s a powerful story he has begun sharing through his music, which blends hip hop, R&B, Afro-pop, English and Swahili.

A graduate of Geelong’s inaugural GRID Series music development program, Baraka has been steadily building his reputation on the live music scene. Last year, he was nominated in two major categories at the Music Victoria Awards and has even performed at the Australian Open.

A passionate community advocate and a member of Cultura’s Multicultural Youth Council, he hopes the youth award will serve to encourage others in the creative space.

“I try to live my life best off my values, and that’s being a kind person to everyone you meet and being an inspiring person to every single person…because you just never know what another person might be going through,” he said.

While he will always create music, Baraka says, his true passion lies in inspiring others, particularly the younger generation of African men and emerging creatives, to pursue what they love.

Cultura chief executive Rebecca Smith praised Baraka for his leadership and commitment to community.

“Fiston is an amazing musician, but what really stands out is how much he gives back,” she said.

“He’s always finding ways to connect people and to celebrate culture and diversity. That kind of leadership inspires everyone around him.

“With young leaders like Fiston shaping the future, it’s safe to say Geelong is in very good hands.”