Djanaba: Fierce, Free, and Unapologetically Herself
Emerging from the vibrant intersection of pop, power, and purpose, Djanaba’s debut album isn’t just a body of work — it’s a declaration. A proud Bundjalung woman carving her own space in contemporary music, Djanaba delivers shimmering production, fearless lyricism, and a relentless spirit that refuses to be boxed in.
Anchored by her mantra “Don’t stop. Don’t question. Don’t change — just grow,” this project captures her creative evolution.
Fresh off sets at Listen Out, Lost Paradise, Spilt Milk and more, and with a powerful NAIDOC Week performance on the horizon, Djanaba is poised to shake up the industry on her own terms. We caught up with her to talk growth, identity, vulnerability — and what it truly means to make music without limits.
TEMPER: “Don’t stop. Don’t question. Don’t change — just grow.” That mantra is so powerful. When did that mindset really click for you, and how has it shaped this debut album?
DJANABA: This album has very much reinforced the structural integrity in which l’ll always stand, “Don’t stop. Don’t question. Don’t change- just grow.” When l was younger, l was more aligned with this stance, but slowly growing up l began to mask myself for people who didn’t know how to handle me, and it really took away my sparkle. I think in the act of creating each of these songs, and pushing myself to do so, l’ve realigned myself with what truly matters, and fucked off anyone who doesn’t like it.
T: ‘Doin To Me’ sounds like a creative breakthrough. What was it about that session with Nick Littlemore that unlocked something new in you?
D: ‘Doin To Me’ was 10000% a creative breakthrough moment! Before l started songwriting l didn’t even wanna try cause l was so terrified l would be bad at it. When l stepped into the studio with just a demo, a microphone and no fucking idea what l was doing, l was waiting to fail. When people actually liked what l had to say, it just drove me to keep going.
T: Vulnerability threads through this project — not just in the lyrics, but in how boldly genre-bending and emotionally open it feels. Was that intentional, or just where you’re at right now?
D: Although my intention for this project wasn’t necessarily for it become that, l truly believe if l was to filter my vulnerability or put bounds on the music l create, it wouldn’t be what is it. l want people to feel that when they listen to my music. Me, and the power in my vulnerability.
T: From club bangers like ‘fuckitup’ to more introspective tracks like ‘Way We Move’, the album moves through so many moods. How did you find the balance between those energies?
D: I think as human being we function with so many emotions, and l think to balance the music l have to balance myself first.
T: ‘Asikee’ feels like a certified anthem. Can you talk about writing that track and what it
means to celebrate the “baddie gurrllsss” in your life?
D: Celebrating the ‘baddie gurrrllsss’ in my life is one of my favourite things to do. If the people around me are empowered, l am empowered, and l think that’s always something that has been shown to me. But l will always find so much happiness in knowing the staunch love l have for my girlie pops, and the fierce love shown back. It still surprises me the way in which my friends uplift me with their love.
T: Being a proud Queer Bundjalung woman in pop isn’t just a statement — it’s a revolution. What does it mean to take up that space on your own terms?
D: I think because it’s who l am, l still don’t understand how my reality will be perceived by others as ‘a revolution’. l think when you live your truth that scares people, and it empowers others. The most important thing to me is that l empower others to do the same. Our truths should never be optional they should simply be, that’s what it means
to be on your own terms.
T: You’ve played some iconic festivals, but also more intimate spaces. How does your performance style shift depending on the crowd and the venue?
D: Honestly, doesn’t matter the size, the location, the crowd, you will always get the same
BIG energy I bring to all of my shows.
T: Your visuals and styling are always striking — how do you approach the visual side of your work, and what role does fashion or aesthetic play in your identity as an artist?
D: I think as a plus size girlie, fashion and aesthetics have always been ideas l have struggled with, because unfortunately, when people think fashion they don't think of bigger bodies. Regardless, l wanted my aesthetic to be as empowering, and fearless as my music.
T: This album feels like a moment of self-acceptance and creative ownership. Was there ever a time where you questioned your place in music? What pulled you through?
D: I think there have been many moments of imposter syndrome, but what pulled me through is continuing to do what l love. Music will always remind me why l do this, and I gotta start practicing what I preach. To write music about being a baddie, l gotta actually be one.
T: You’re performing at Garrima: The Country Cries for Truth to kick off NAIDOC Week — how does it feel to be part of such a culturally important event?
D: When l received the invitation to perform at the event, l was extremely honoured, firstly because although l am Bundjalung by descent, l have not spent time on that country my Ancestors have been on Dharug, and Gadigal country a long time. So getting the chance to experience the space Aunty has created was truly breathtaking, the incredible stories she shares about her family and about the country truly resonated so deeply and although l haven’t spent time on that country, the stories l was told weren’t so different, and the lessons l’ve be taught through country also aligned, and l guess that makes me hope my ancestors are proud that although affected differently by colonisation, l stand still connected to country regardless of birth place, or history. That is the power of what Aunty does, she has connected us all with these images, this is completely her own story and history, in yet it is also shares by many.
T: Across everything — from bops to ballads — there’s this sense of freedom in your music. What advice would you give to young creatives trying to find their own voice?
D: Mate, l feel like there is no advice as a young creative l would have taken haha. So I think
the only advice l could give you is to stand in your truth, and love every piece of it.
T: And finally, what’s next for Djanaba? Any dream collabs, sonic pivots, or moments you’re manifesting for the next chapter?
D: Good question, l think l’ll keep doing exactly what l have been striving towards. But l wanna be louder, l wanna take up more space, and l wanna do it differently. Whatever that looks like or whoever it’s with, you’ll have to wait and see!