Rapper, Songwriter, Composer and Producer
Aćol Agaar Apollo, better known by the stage name POOKIE, is a South Sudanese rapper, songwriter, composer and producer who was born in Nairobi, Kenya. At age seven, her family migrated to Australia where she was introduced to the works of Missy Elliot and the world of Hip-Hop music at large. POOKIE’s art and music have become dynamic displays of her South Sudanese roots, with many of her pieces celebrating her Dinka culture and heritage.
POOKIE not only employs her art as a means of self-expression, but uses it as a medium to bridge the gap between her experiences as a Black African woman growing up in Australia as part of the subjugated South Sudanese Australian diaspora. For several years, POOKIE has exhibited her art, organised and curated events for empowering Black femme creatives, and performed her spoken word poetry. In 2019, she formed a five-piece band. With a wave of authentic Afro-Jazz and Hip-Hop melodies, she quickly made an artistic impact in Melbourne’s music scene and in performances across Australia.
Sun 29 May 2022
NEWPRINT’s producers Ninth Planet X POOKIE Presents: WESTSIDE
Tue 15 Oct 2019 - Tue 26 Nov 2019
Off The Grid s a new music mentoring program designed by Melbourne based creative, Titan Debirioun, with Multicultural Arts Victoria, to address the massive gaps in infrastructure and accessibility in regards to music production and recording spaces for young people in Melbourne’s outer west Wyndham region. The program will deliver 6 free quality recording sessions and music composition workshops for emerging artists, guided by experienced Melbourne producer and engineer, Simba Andrews and creative mentors, Pookie, Rockstar Bola and Devarn Kiir. Participants will have an opportunity to upskill themselves in a culturally safe environment that also serves as a drop in centre for local creatives. All aspiring young artists in Melbourne’s outer west, are invited to drop in, record music, work on their writing ability or just relax and network with other creatives from their local area. Project coordinator, Titan Debirioun says, “We need more spaces in the outer West where kids can be creative and actually get the assistance they need to grow as artists. Everyone isn’t interested in the same things, and if we want to really help kids set up their futures, we have to build all the necessary spaces and pathways to assist them.” The project has been developed and produced as part of MAV’s Emerge Cultural Leadership program which supports the vision and aspirations of artists from newly arrived and emerging communities around Victoria.