Wiluna kids throw heart and soul into hip-hop music project

One mission, one community, one heart — that’s the essence of a new rap song and video featuring the creative youth of Wiluna front and centre.

The brightly coloured Wiluna Youth Centre was a striking backdrop for the homegrown rap track One Heart, starring local girls Keneisha Williams, Tuutanga Latu, Lykisha Wongawol, Makelesi Latu and Zahara Johnston.

“Talk to me if your heart is ever sore. That’s what good friends are always for,” rapped one of the girls midway through the expressive piece.

Musician Ryan Samuels, more commonly known as Trooth, produced the video.

The Shire of Wiluna hired him to create One Heart, and another song called Make it Right, featuring local boys including Bernard Morgan, Glendall Anderson and Nelson Narrier.

Trooth said he dreamed of being the next Eminem or Jay-Z when he was younger, but as he grew older and wiser, his priorities changed.

Four years ago, he started making music videos with disengaged youth across WA under the business Reach 1 Teach 1.

“Being of service brings me peace ... hip-hop has taught me how to carry myself in society,” he said.

Since starting the project, Trooth has worked in Perth, Narrogin, Carnarvon, Jigalong, Kungkas, Ngaanyatjarra and several other remote locations. “I sit down with the kids (and ask) what’s going on in their communities and what do they want to see change,” Trooth said.

He said the program was empowering for the kids involved, offering a safe space for them to learn to express their emotions and test their creative limits.

“The recording process is a small part of their lives where they can overcome fear,” he said. He said the kids were usually “full of fear” when they first started working on the videos but, by the end of the process, they were glowing with pride over what they had created.

Shire of Wiluna chief executive Laura Dwyer said it was wonderful to see how much excitement the project generated in the community.

“The kids loved being involved and gives them a great sense of pride in sharing their words and stories,” she said.