Anu swaps bright lights to teach bright minds
MORE accustomed to the bright lights of the world’s biggest stages, acclaimed pop singer and songwriter Christine Anu seemed just at home performing for students at a school hall in Cairns.
Cairns and Trinity Bay State High School students were among the first to take part in Anu’s popular In Conversation and Song series designed specifically for schools.
Anu told a captive audience how her culture and upbringing inspired her music and the hard work that went into her career.
The 48-year-old is set to play the role of Teen Angel in Grease in Brisbane and Canberra this year and also performed at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.
“I’ve been doing this in art galleries and libraries and it took off because of the crosssection of ages. People who grew up with my music now have kids, so it’s about branching out into that age bracket,” she said.
“It’s really about hearing from an artist and how they use their experience to build their world.”
Cairns State High students Breanna Strooper and Nina Cowley-Mousinho thoroughly enjoyed meeting their idol.
“I found the performance inspiring as an indigenous woman myself,” Breanna said.
“It was great to see her perform live.”
Nina said she grew up listening to Anu’s music.
Many clapped along to hits such as Kulba Yaday, Sunshine on a Rainy Day, Party and My Island Home.