Ziggy Ramo on men's health, music and self-expression through style

In Melbourne recently, we spent the afternoon with the boundary-pushing First Nations musician.

By Josh Bozin

Published: Nov 28, 2023

IT’S A PARTICULARLY HOT spring afternoon in Melbourne and Ziggy Ramo is dressed in head-to-toe Lululemon as he gears up for a special, one-night-only performance in the name of men’s health. The unforgiving sun beams down on his face. For most, the experience would trigger some level of discontent, irritation even. But not for Ramo. Warm and inviting and as electric as ever, he proceeds to pose for Esquire and discuss his life with the utmost grace. For in showbiz, the show must always go on.

The thing is, Ramo has an inherent need to connect with people from all walks of life. It feeds his creativity but in return, those who meet the 29-year old Indigenous rapper who hails from “all over Australia”—from Gapuwiyak in North East Arnhem Land, Perth, Nambucca Heads and Sydney—are instantly at ease, guided by his warm presence. Watch him perform live, and that warmth spreads like honey through the crowd.

There’s plenty to rave about when discussing Ramo, whose full name is Ziggy Ramo Burrmuruk Fatnowna. In 2023 alone, he released his second album, Sugar Coated Lies, to much acclaim, and is hard at work on his next creative pursuit: a debut book with an accompanying album, set to be released in 2024. Above all else, his music is unapologetically truthful and forthcoming; an ongoing story that details his lived experiences which, in large part, deal with systemic and everyday racism. It’s part of the reason that Ramo’s musicianship needs to be seen and heard to be fully understood.

“As much as my art is for other people, it is also a selfish exercise,” he tells Esquire. “My songs are about my lived experience. It is the difficult conversations that I need to have with myself. When I put my art into the world, I have learnt that I must let it go. What will be, will be. As long as I have given it my all, I have done my job.”

Ramo is also open about his previous struggles with mental health, which drives his efforts as an advocate in the space, together with men’s health campaigners, Lululemon. We meet with Ramo in Melbourne at the brand’s special wellbeing event, ‘Movement for Change’, hosted by Lululemon to support men’s mental and physical health, where we discuss the important topic further.

“I remember how lonely I felt as a young man suffering with mental health. When I was younger, there weren’t many examples of other men in the spotlight talking about their own struggles,” recalls Ramo. “I think the Lululemon’s ‘Movement for Change’ event is so important as it is taking the steps to normalise men talking about their emotions. We all have them, we just might have not been taught how to express them.

“I will always be open about what I have gone through in the hope it can show other young men that your mental health doesn’t define who you ultimately can be.”

You’re one of the country’s most exciting up and coming artists. Can you remember when and how you first fell in love with music?

Growing up, my parents would always play music in the house. I remember seeing the way the music they loved made them feel and that left a big impact on me and my siblings. When I was 10, my big brother shared with me ‘The College Dropout’ by Kanye West, and from that moment I was hooked. I knew I would do anything I could to be able to be a part of creating music.

Can you remember your very first album purchase?

When I was 14, I was working a job packing shelves at a grocery store. I saved enough money to buy my first record which was ‘Man on the Moon: The End of Day’ by Kid Cudi. Being a massive Kanye fan, it was only natural that I would soon discover Cudi (as they would become constant collaborators). I haven’t listened to the album in its entirety in a few years, but in passing I have heard a few songs from the record and they hold up to this day.

In your opinion, what is the relationship between fashion, style and music?

I think art is all about communicating what we think. It is our way of demonstrating who we are to those around us, whether that is through the clothes we put on our back, or through the music we share with the world.

That’s powerful. We imagine your taste in style might be linked to some of your musical influences?

I have always been drawn to artists that don’t put themselves in a box. I want to hold onto my childlike creativity and always remain open to exploring. That’s why I don’t feel like I have a clear defined style; it evolves with me in real time. I love the way ‘The Weeknd’ builds characters both musically and stylistically through each musical era. I feel that is reflected in my own work – each album has a clear aesthetic.

You’ve been making music for many years now. You have two acclaimed albums to your name, and you’re renowned for your compelling lyricism. How do you stay inspired throughout the ups and downs of life?

There is nothing that brings me greater joy than to create art. There is no secret to being prolific, you simply have to love the process so much that it consumes you. I am completely obsessed. Something that has helped me continue to create from a place of inspiration is to work in different mediums.

That helps the journey not feel so stale. After releasing my latest album, I have been writing a book and developing my first TV show. I find juggling different mediums refreshing as I am always learning new skills that inform all of my other work. There is no one size fits all when it comes to being an artist, you just have to find what works for you, and for me, it is constant motion… always create.

You strive to have difficult conversations, which are expressed through your music and lyrics. Do you think people are becoming more open to having conversations about topics they perhaps haven’t in the past?

Yes, and no. We are living in a time where it is becoming increasingly hard for people to respectfully disagree. We are pushing each other further and further away and surrounding ourselves in our echo chambers. No one person is going to fix anything, so more and more I am focusing on what is in my control. As much as my art is for other people, it is also a selfish exercise. My songs are about my lived experience. It is the difficult conversations that I need to have with myself. Pure expression. Ultimately, I would love nothing more than for other people to connect with it, but it is not in my control. When I put my art into the world, I have learnt that I must let it go. What will be, will be. As long as I have given it my all, I have done my job.

Lululemon has long been associated with men’s health. What does working with the brand on the ‘Movement for Change’ initiative mean to you?

I remember how lonely I felt as a young man suffering with mental health. When I was younger, there weren’t many examples of other men in the spotlight talking about their own struggles. I think the Lululemon’s ‘Movement for Change’ event was so important as it is taking the steps to normalise men talking about their emotions. We all have them, we just might have not been taught how to express them. I will always be open about what I have gone through in the hope it can show other young men that your mental health doesn’t define who you ultimately can be.

Mental health is one of the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide. As an advocate for so many important topics and societal issues, what is your advice for those wanting to seek help but not sure how to start that conversation?

There is great strength in vulnerability. As men we are taught that we are supposed to be a rock, support and provide for those we love. It is impossible to help others, until you help yourself. Sometimes you aren’t going to have all the answers along your journey, and that is when it is vital to reach out to those around you. As you open yourself up, it makes it easier for other people to do the same. That is leadership; that is courageous.

What does ‘wellbeing ‘mean to you?

Finding a balance between my mental and physical health. Life is constantly in motion and I will always continue to have my up and down swings. Wellbeing for me is stringing to find consistency, to level things out so I never get too high, or too low.

How do you manage the mental—and physical—pressures of touring and being in the spotlight? Are there things you like to do to unwind away from touring and performing and writing music?

I live a really simple life. Being in the entertainment industry can give you a pretty warped view on life. I do my best to stay unplugged and keep my head down. Such a big part of managing my mental and physical health is being kind to myself. It helps that I am surrounded by an amazing team and family and collectively we all pull each other up.

Is upcycled fashion the future of automotive material circularity?