Thelma Plum: taking absolutely no prisoners

The Gamilaraay singer is not here for your bullsh*t.

She was everywhere last year with Better in Blak, apropulsive album that’s as perfect for getting fired up over racial inequality andbad allies as it is for powering through a to-do list. But where did ThelmaPlum come from?

She’s been around for aaaaages

It was way back in 2012, when she was 17, that the singer-songwriter from Brisbane and Delungra won Triple J’s National Indigenous Music Awards. In 2013 and 2014 she released EPs (Rosie and Monsters), that kept her creative wheels turning and our earballs lighting up. A couple of years later she was working on an album, but ended up putting that side of things on hold. Sometimes the songs you write when you’re 19 don’t reflect who you are once you’re in your 20s, you know?

She’s forged her own identity

Speaking of which, it’s tough to spend your late teens inthe public eye, especially in the Australian music scene. It’s so close-knitthat a feud can cause a lot of damage. Especially if you’re an outspoken woman,and especially if you’re an outspoken Indigenous woman. Probablydon’t mention Sticky Fingers to her, is all we’re saying.

Now, years on, we’re seeing a strong woman who knows who sheis, isn’t afraid to speak her mind and call you on your bullshit – especially ifyou’re a woke bloke who worships Nick Cave but won’t criticise his mates whenthey misbehave.

“There’s no stepping around the fact that I’m an Aboriginalwoman. Aboriginal people in this country are seen as an Aboriginal before we’reseen as a human being,” shetold the Sydney Morning Herald last year. “But I’ve written thismusic for everyone and I’m letting everyone in on how it feels to be me, and Iwant everyone to enjoy that.”

What’s she doing now?

This second? No idea. Butin March she had coronavirus and in early August she featured on a songwith Briggs, Go To War. It’s another great fire-up tune if you’refeeling low-energy (or just low in general), and her lines are pure gives-none Plum:

What you want, won’t say it to my face…”

Don’t cross Thelma. That’s the takeaway here.