Born into a life of music and activism, Voice of Lele’s work is driven by a sense of unity

Lea Firth comes from a long line of storytellers, musicians and activists.

Lea was born in the Netherlands to Agustinius Rumwaropen, a respected cultural singer and lead singer of the influential West Papuan group The Black Brothers, a country where her family sought refuge after moving from West Papua to Papua New Guinea in the 1970s.

After living in Vanuatu for some time, the Rumwaropen family eventually came to Australia and settled in Canberra in 1988, where the next generation grew up. Since then, she has enjoyed a successful musical career in various projects, notably with her sisters Petra and Rosa (The Black Sistaz), and has toured with artists such as Blue King Brown.

But now Lea is stepping into her own spotlight as the Voice of Lele. She recently introduced herself with the cheerful and powerful single “Island Proud” and has come to spread positive messages with her music.

“Island Proud” is a strong debut single, a beautiful ode to Pasifika people across the region, promoting pride in their heritage.

“Island Proud” was released on World Refugee Day, is an anthem and fits the personality of Voice of Lele: lively, stirring and heartfelt.

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For “On The Record,” Voice of Lele joins us in the studio to talk about her family legacy, current sounds, and more.