Rap artist takes out CDU gong

An Indigenous hip hop artist has added the prestigious Charles Darwin University Art Award to his swag of accolades at this year’s NT Young Achievers Award.

Danzal Baker, otherwise known as “Baker Boy”, was raised in Milingimbi and Maningrida and has rapped his way to national prominence.

Baker Boy, who raps in Yolgnu Matha and English, has toured Australia extensively and his debut single Cloud 9 won the Triple J Unearthed NIMA competition and two NT Song of the Year Awards.

Danzal has used his talent to help students in remote Indigenous communities and has dazzled locally, nationally and internationally with his songwriting, dance choreography, rapping and didgeridoo playing.

CDU Arts and Laws student Christopher Teng won the Minister for Territory Families Excellence in Youth Leadership Award.

Christopher was recognised for his work as the President of the United Nations Youth NT and with the UN Youth Australia, NT Round Table and the City of Darwin’s Youth Advisory Group. He is an active community member and passionate about getting young people involved in civic participation and volunteerism.

The 2018 Northern Territory Young Achievers Award attracted 350 nominations from across the NT, with Alice Springs man Roger Wilyuka crowned overall winner.