“Black Boy” by Coloured Stone.

Released in the early 1980s, the track helped bring the voice of Aboriginal Australia into the mainstream through the infectious sound of one of the country's pioneering Indigenous rock bands.

Led by Bunna Lawrie, Coloured Stone brought together rock, reggae, pop and traditional Indigenous influences, creating a sound that was unmistakably Australian — but unlike anything else on the radio at the time.

“Black Boy” has an irresistible groove, but underneath the rhythm is something more powerful: identity and pride. Rather than allowing Aboriginal identity to be defined by outsiders, the song puts a proud Indigenous voice right at the centre.

And that's part of what makes it so enduring.

At a time when Aboriginal musicians were still fighting for space on mainstream radio, Coloured Stone proved that Indigenous stories didn't have to be separated from popular music. They could be catchy, contemporary, joyful and political all at once.

The band went on to become one of the most influential Indigenous groups in Australian music, opening doors for artists who followed.

Put on “Black Boy” today and the groove still hits.

But listen a little closer and you'll hear something else — a generation finding its voice and refusing to turn the volume down. 🎸🖤