Mayor hails The Kid

Published on 29 April 2021

Mayor Darriea Turley AM admits she doesn't know much about rap, but she has lauded the achievements of former local Charlton Howard aka 'The Kid Laroi'.

Last night the rap prodigy took out the Breakthrough Songwriter of The Year award at the APRA Music Awards in Sydney after the success of his of his 'F*CK LOVE' record.

A descendant of the Kamilaroi people, Howard spent much of his childhood relocating around NSW, and spent four years of his childhood living in Broken Hill with his mother and grandparents, before moving home to Waterloo.

Howard started rapping around the age of 13 as a method of escaping from his family struggles, and is now considered one of most promising young artists on the world stage.

Mayor Turley said Howard was a shining example of how people in outback communities can overcome hardship.

"I think he's a great inspiration for young people, particularly our indigenous youth," said Mayor Turley.

"He's clearly had to overcome significant hardship throughout his childhood, and he's been able to channel his struggles into his art and is now receiving deserved recognition.

"It's a great story, and it shows that can anybody can overcome the odds with commitment and perseverance."