“This playlist is an acknowledgement to the Elders that paved the way, and a snapshot of what they have left to continue musically,” Emma Donovan tells Apple Music. Born to a Gumbaynggirr/Dhangatti mother and a father of the Naaguja and Yamatji people, Donovan has become one of Australia’s most celebrated singers in recent years, often addressing social and personal issues against vintage-sounding funk and soul songs with backing outfit The Putbacks. Her exclusive playlist was inspired by NAIDOC Week 2023’s theme of “For Our Elders”, and Donovan set out to share a “rewriting of history and stories from a very knowledgeable perspective” with a focus on truth telling. She hopes that listeners experience a deep connection with these iconic First Nations anthems, which she firmly believes should be celebrated across Australia. Some of them should already be familiar to most—thanks to names like Kev Carmody, Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter and Coloured Stone—but there is much to discover too. Donovan cites “Black Mans Rights” by No Fixed Address as a particularly important selection. “Lead singer Bart Willoughby is a Pitjantjatjara and Mirning man from Koonibba Mission near Ceduna, SA,” she says. “‘Black Mans Rights’ is a song for the ages. It’s hard not to have all their songs on this playlist. Their music left a huge mark on Aboriginal music in Australia.” The artwork on this playlist was created in collaboration with Gunu Baakandji artist Maddison Gibbs. Apple acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.