Australia Decides competitor, Australia's Got Talent finalist and rising star First Nations artist Mitch Tambo dazzles with vibrant cover of Tina Turner's iconic 1989 hit The Best.
The legendary tune celebrates its 35th anniversary this year with Mitch honouring the late singer and also singing in his traditional Gamilaraay language. The cover is embued with Mitch's classic passion and energy for music and celebrates the power of music to unite, including a booming didgeridoo feature.
“I wanted to recreate that same energy but with a twist. Singing it in Gamilaraay is a way to show that great music crosses all boundaries - it’s universal. This one’s for Tina and everyone who believes in the power of music to lift us up."
The Best has a connection to Eurovision, originally penned by the great Bonnie Tyler in 1988, before being better known for Tina Turner's performances. Bonnie represented the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2013 with Believe in Me, placing 19th in the Grand Final.
Another iconic cover includes Aussie rock legend Jimmy Barnes, re-recorded as a duet with Tina in 1992 to promote that year's New South Wales Rugby League season.
“Tina Turner’s version of The Best has pumped up fans for decades, and I’m one of them, Tina’s exhilarating live pre-game performance of the song at the NRL Grand Final back in 1993 was incredible – it was such a uniting moment in Australia for cultures, codes and footy fans alike."
Mitch hit the ground running in 2024, performing nationwide on over 100 stages during his Walanbaa Youth Tour. The performances championed positivity and giving voices to young people. In addition to touring, he also released Tambo Jamz, Vol. 1, a unique array of 60 short instrumental tracks with his usual genre-breaking fusions.
At Eurovision - Australia Decides 2020 Mitch Tambo entered Together, an inspirational track sung both in English and Gamilaraay language, the language of his people. His performance had a soaring chorus, together with drums and didgeridoo with lyrics to unite everyone. He ended up finishing in 5th place.
Catch Mitch Tambo at these upcoming performances:
27 September 2024: New Annual, Newcastle, NSW
12 October 2024: Many Mobs Dunggula Cultural Festival, Yarrawonga, VIC
25 October 2024: Milbi Festival, Bargara, QLD
1 November 2024: Blue Heeler Film Festival, Denman NSW
2 November2024: Denman Wine Food and Film Affair, Denman, NSW
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