Bringing beats to the bush: From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop with Zero Emcee
Noongar/Jingili rapper Zero Emcee has covered plenty of ground in his music career. From humble beginnings here in Perth, he has gone on to perform in one of the country’s most televised spectacles Dreamtime at the ‘G, and shared the power of music by teaching hip-hop to detainees in Northern Territory’s Don Dale Detention Centre. Now the local artist is gearing up for a whole new adventure, teaming up with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) for a regional tour of Western Australia. Kicking off in Margaret River this Friday, the From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop Tour stops by Harvey, Esperance, Hopetoun, Narrogin and Mandurah, with tickets on sale now. BRAYDEN EDWARDS caught up with Zero Emcee to find out the story behind the unlikely collaboration and what audiences can look forward to at the shows.
You’re just about to hit the road on a regional tour with WAYJO! What are you most excited about in taking this live show to regional audiences?
I think I am most excited about regional communities seeing it, as they don’t get many opportunities like this and just being on country.
How did you first come to be involved with WAYJO? And when you started out in hip-hop, did you ever expect to be teaming up with a jazz orchestra?
I was at Perth Creative College when the opportunity came to perform with WAYJO, and my hand got put up for it. I have not looked back since. We did one performance in 2022 at The Rechabite called Beats and Pieces. WAYJO then brought me back to perform with their Wednesday Night Orchestra in their 40th anniversary concert at the State Theatre Centre of WA in May last year.
Never, ever would I have thought I would have teamed up with a jazz orchestra!
In those early years, what artists or inspirations, both globally and locally, set you on your path as a hip-hop artist?
Australian hip-hop artist Kerser and the USA’s 50 Cent and Biggie Smalls have been big influences.
Throughout that journey, you’ve gone on to perform some massive shows while also being involved in important community work. What have been some highlights?
I got to perform at the MCG for the Indigenous Round in 2018 and performed the coin toss! In 2022, I supported The Kid LAROI at RAC Arena and got to support Swifty McVay, from D12, at Amplifier in 2023. Last year, I supported Kerser at Metro City—a full-circle moment. The next person I’d love to support would be 50 Cent. And then the circle will be complete.
You are, of course, getting to work with some incredibly talented musicians through this collaboration with WAYJO. What’s something you have taken from the experience that has shaped how you go about your craft?
I now think that any music that you make can be made into jazz. Being with an 18-piece orchestra is such a different vibe than being by yourself onstage as a solo artist.
You will also be hosting Q&A sessions and songwriting workshops in these towns. What kind of things will people learn if they attend these sessions?
Songwriting skills and stage presence.
As someone representing both Noongar and Jingili cultures, you’re bringing a unique voice to the stage in these towns. What’s a message that you hope cuts through in both your music and live performances?
That anything is possible, as long as you have the right mindset.