Listening to Joe Geia sing is like hearing the sound of Australia's past, present and future come alive; his voice powerfully weaving together the story of Australia, to reveal pieces of history not always heard.

"It comes back to my compositions – and who the songs are about," Geia explains.

The Queensland Multicultural Centre will be showcasing The Joe Geia Band 'From Rations to Wages to Treaty' Saturday, 25 February,

as part of BEMAC's 2023 premier program.

With song writing credits for Australia's highly iconic song "Yil Lull", Mr Geia's landmark show is highly anticipated to be more than just music for the soul. Instead being more akin to the type of musical spark that inspires activism, fires resistance and fuels change.

In a two-hour multimedia feast for the senses, for the heart, and for the mind, Mr Geia will be accompanied by a five-piece band and guest narrator, activist, writer and Co-Chair of the Treaty Independent Interim Board Cheryl Buchanan.

Patrons can expect to be taken on a journey at 'From Rations to Wages to Treaty' – one that is at the heart of the Aboriginal Australians experience of colonisation and struggle, and the other forged in resilience, resistance, and survival.

This audience expedition will be guided by song, film and storytelling to warmly introduce attendees to the lives and works of some of Australia's most important and influential Indigenous activist figures in recent history.

"Singing about leaders who may not be very well known to non-Indigenous audiences but are part of our history – and who made that pathway for us," says Geia.

This singer-songwriter has walked the walk.

"I'd just like to add that when John Howard was in parliament he abolished ATSIC in 2005, and then there was no voice," says Geia.

"This was when Indigenous musicians and artist became our voice – Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter (Took the Children Away), Kev Carmody (From Little Things Big Things Grow). Bart Willoughby, (We Have Survived), My song, (Yil Lull) – that gives the meaning of the colours of our flag.

"That was our VOICE. It was through our well known songs of this country that helped educate in a melodic way – there were women's voices singing up too - Tiddas speaking to the hardship of Aboriginal women, Stiff Gins, Ruby Hunter who lived a grassroot life – we weren't involved in the big company, in Aboriginal affairs, just ordinary people that could tell our stories through song."

Planting a seed of tomorrow, 'From Rations to Wages to Treaty' is inspired by a vision to cultivate hope and grow in the belief that a stronger, shared, and just future is possible.

In the upcoming show at the Queensland Multicultural Centre (BEMAC) at Kangaroo Point Brisbane, Geia speaks to the powerful role of music to drive and spark activism, resistance and transformation, and skilfully uses the stage to share knowledge, culture and music with a heartfelt commitment to making a difference and creating understanding. Don't miss it.

Details and tickets are available online for the 25 February show at 7:30pm, Queensland Multicultural Centre, Kangaroo Point Queensland.