ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Perth rap sensation Inkabee’s debut solo single advocates going to school and thumbs its nose at tired hiphop stereotypes like gangs, drugs and a life of crime.

An upbeat number that focuses on the power of education, Saved by the Bell encourages young folk, without a hint of cheese, to follow their dreams.

Filmed in a primary school, the video shows a curly-haired Inkabee stomping around the playground while reeling off rapid-fire lyrics to classmates and teachers:

‘Wake up in the morning and look up in mirror and I sayee too myself,

I’m doing this for me aannd I’m doing this 4 everyone else,

Mum I’m doing well I can never fail this my tale,

I’m saved by the bell, I’m saved by the bell.

I’m doing all these number so I best to get to class,

Imma need my science English Imma need my math,

If I keep on grinding heavy I’m gon build my bag,

Coz it’s something that a little Nyoongar never had.’ 

The track was recorded at Kwinana Beats Studio – a youth music program – and produced by local hip-hop artists Optamus and Paulie P.

“Saved by the Bell is such a feel good hype track,” says Inkabee. “It was fun to rap about and sing about pursuing my dreams and the importance of education.

“I like to sing songs about culture and growing up, but also about people going through hard times because it tells their stories too.

“[I wrote my first song] when I was seven years old, and it was about me being a big brother to my little sisters.”

Born and raised in Kwinana, Inkabee, real name Ethan Eggington, burst onto the Aussie music scene aged 10 in December last year with his debut track Beat the Odds – co-written and recorded with his father, award winning Nyoongar Wongi rapper and activist Flewnt. Advocating unity and encouraging Aboriginal people to “beat the odds”, the track was nominated for a West Australian Music award.

Since then, Inkabee has performed with his dad at various festival including The Yagan Square Amphitheatre concert in Perth in April.

Talent clearly runs in the family – his dad Flewnt made waves in Australia with his breakthrough single Kya Kyana (WAM song of the year 2018) – a roaring Noongar anthem about the history of his family, culture and people. 

With a family legacy rooted in activism, Flewnt uses hip hop to deliver a positive and uplifting message. 

Inakbee says his dad, along with Australian rapper Kid Laroi and American rapper J. Cole are some of his biggest influences: “Dad because he inspires me to make music. Kid Laroi because I can relate to him. J. Cole because he got the dardiest flows.”

Dad and son are currently over in New South Wales this week, performing at the Vivid Sydney festival.

You can check out Inkabee’s new single Saved by the Bell at youtube.com/@inkabee

by STEPHEN POLLOCK