Radical Son
Singer (Kamilaroi nation of Australia and the South Pacific nation of Tonga)
Whether transfixing a crowd of thousands or captivating from afar via his powerful sonic creations, Radical Son, aka David Leha, is a genuine powerhouse to be reckoned with.
From the Kamilaroi nation of Australia and the South Pacific nation of Tonga, Radical Son exudes a rare magnetism across his artistry, fusing his cultural roots along with an exuberant musical celebration that spans the sleek urgency of hip hop and the emotional punch of soul. Drawing power and resolve from his challenging past, he elevates life’s struggles and a lifelong pursuit of learning through his creative output, from his debut 2014 full length album Cause N’Affect through to his most recent release: the 2024 ARIA Award-nominated album Bilambiyal (The Learning).
Releasing via Wantok Music, Bilambiyal (The Learning) was also crafted alongside a powerhouse team, including Marcus Longfoot, Andy Robinson, David Bridie, Frank Yamma, Emma Donovan, Benny Walker and many more lending their magic to the end result.
Over the years, Radical Son’s live performances have become the stuff of legend, with his acclaimed onstage presence cemented by a show-stopping cover of his mentor Uncle Archie Roach’s Walking Into Doors in 2022. Radical Son has also performed to standing ovations at Bluesfest, St Kilda Festival, WOMADelaide, VIVID, Moomb Festival, Pasifika Festival in Auckland, Fest’Napuan in Vanuatu, the AFL Dreamtime 2022 Game, and multiple Sydney festival appearances. Radical Son also performed as part of the State Memorial Service of the late Uncle Archie Roach AC.
Described by ABC Pacific as “one of Australia’s most revered voices”, Radical Son is a highly skilled concert artist, with multiple classical ensemble performances and high-profile collaborations under his belt. His artistry also expands into film, TV and opera, with credits including Defining Moments, a six-part NITV documentary exploring life-defining experiences, as well as theatre work, including the lead role of Pemulwuy in I Am Eora at the 2012 Sydney Festival, and as a cast member of The Rabbits, the award-winning 2015 production with music by Kate Miller-Heidke.
Music had made me a better person. We hold the key. Within ourselves we can change things for ourselves and make the lives of others better in the process. I hope my songs have a positive impact on you – Radical Son
Image credit: Cameron Bloom
