Drmngnow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Drmngnow
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Birth name | Neil Morris |
Born | Victoria, Australia |
Origin | Victoria, Australia |
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Years active | 2018–present |
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Neil Morris, known by his stage name Drmngnow, is an Aboriginal Australian rapper. His music often shares important messages about culture and history.
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Understanding Drmngnow's Name
Neil Morris is a Yorta Yorta/Kaieltheban man. His stage name, Drmngnow, is a shorter way of saying "dreaming now". This name connects to an important Aboriginal idea called The Dreaming. The Dreaming is a way of understanding the world, its creation, and the deep connection between people, land, and spirits.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Neil Morris grew up in Shepparton, a city in rural Victoria, Australia. This area is known as Yorta Yorta Country. He loved music from a young age, listening to his parents' records. They had a mix of artists like Michael Jackson, Guns N' Roses, and Blondie.
As a teenager, he discovered hip-hop music. He collected and traded cassette tapes of famous hip-hop artists like Ice-T and A Tribe Called Quest. He also enjoyed playing basketball with his friends.
After finishing school, Neil felt unsure about his path. He moved to Melbourne in 2001 and began studying creative writing. During this time, he also started writing poetry. He later worked in conservation and travelled, gaining new experiences.
Music and Messages
Neil Morris started making his own music in 2005 when he learned to play the guitar. He first performed on stage in 2015.
He uses his music to explore his culture, community, and connection to the land. His songs help people learn about Australia's Indigenous history and what the future might hold. He even sings some of his songs in the Yorta Yorta language.
In November 2022, Drmngnow worked with other First Nations artists like Emma Donovan and Emily Wurramara. They created a song called "Forever 15" to remember Cassius Turvey. Cassius was a 15-year-old boy who sadly passed away after an attack in Perth, Western Australia. The song was played at Cassius's funeral and released to the public shortly after.
Drmngnow's Songs
Singles (Main Artist)
Here are some of the songs Drmngnow has released as the main artist:
Title | Year | Album |
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"Australia Does Not Exist" (featuring Philly, Adrian Eagle, Culture Evolves and Pataphysics) |
2018 | Non-album singles |
"Indigenous Land" | ||
"Ancestors" (featuring Kee'Ahn) |
2019 | |
"We See You" | ||
"Always Remember" (featuring Kee'Ahn, Paul Gorrie and Pataphysics) |
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"Survive" (featuring River Boy) |
2020 | |
"Never Defeated" | ||
"Get Back to the Land" (featuring Emily Wurramara) |
Deadly Hearts: Walking Together |
Other Song Appearances
Drmngnow has also appeared on other artists' songs:
Title | Year | Album |
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"IndiGenius" (with Rush Wepiha) |
2019 | IndiGenius |
"Medicine Weapon" (with Kosmic Force) |
2021 | Sound of a Weapon |
Awards and Nominations
The Music Victoria Awards celebrate music from Victoria, Australia, each year. Drmngnow has been recognized for his work:
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
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2018 | Drmngnow | Best Hip Hop Act | Nominated | |
2019 | Drmngnow | Best Solo Artist | Nominated | |
Drmngnow | Breakthrough Victorian Act | Nominated | ||
Drmngnow | Best Hip Hop Act | Nominated | ||
Drmngnow | The Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent | Nominated | ||
2020 | Drmngnow | Best Electronic Act | Nominated | |
Drmngnow | Best Hip Hop Act | Nominated | ||
2021 | Drmngnow | Best Hip Hop Act | Won | |
2024 | "Ngarwu" | Best Song or Track | Nominated |