Ziggy Ramo is the stage name of this singer/rapper born of Indigenous and Solomon Islander parents, with Scottish heritage also in the mix. He would prefer not to be referred to as Indigenous, however. This is an appellation given by White society; he would prefer to be called an Original person. He strongly identifies as a Wik man, rather than a resident of what he refers to as ‘so-called Australia’. This is a memoir full of the history lessons which (we as whitefellas) weren’t taught, should have been taught, or have conveniently forgotten.

The memoir also features his music, and the writer prefaces each chapter with lyrics from his discography. The first chapter features ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’ which he covered for Triple-J, propelling him into the nation’s consciousness. His song ‘April 25th’ was to be sung on the ABC’s Q&A, but the producers pulled it, ostensibly because of its obscenity. This still rankles. There is an inherent hypocrisy in a country which commemorates ANZACs, but which ignores the Frontier Wars.

Ramo speaks of abandoning a medical career for music and reveals his mental health struggles.Ramo explicitly states that this book is not about apportioning blame but, with an accusatory second person POV if it’s not about blame, it’s most certainly about resentment. Despite that dissonance, it’s hard for a whitefella to argue against it. Ramo is whip-smart. Readers may disagree with his opinions, but his intelligence is as strong as his emotional commitment.

Reviewed by Bob Moore

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