Denmark Festival of Voice 2023 edition championed Indigenous voices and brought song and sound to town

The Denmark Festival of Voice was held last weekend with a big event program featuring local and visiting performers. The annual festival celebrates the power of the voice and included musical performances, singing workshops and community events. Festival of Voice co-ordinator Nelson Blake said this year’s edition was smaller and more intimate than in previous years and featured some stand-out performances, including Perth band Soukouss Internationale, local bands and the new Karlak-abiny cultural space used for the opening and closing ceremonies. This year’s program of events had a renewed focus on championing Indigenous voices which Mr Blake said saw the festival “really listen”. “The Noongar elements of the festival were Noongar led and held, and featured mob from across the region,” he said. “The festival platformed globally unique voices of this land and celebrated culture.” About 75 community members participated in the final event, the Big Sing, which was sung in language for the first time. “The Big Sing led by Della Rae Morrison, Kobi Morrison, and Moort was incredibly powerful, moving and important,” Mr Blake said. “The language of this country is alive and being shared with warm generosity. We are incredibly lucky and grateful.”