2016LYFE [smokedope2016] + [ghostfacekush] + [BARTESIANWATER]

With the pen of a poet and the melodic sensibilities of a veteran composer, Brooklyn-born rapper SALIMATA’s soulful, swaggering style offers a modern take on New York City’s storied hip-hop tradition.

A lifelong poet who discovered a passion for freestyling as a teen, she released her first single “I Can” in 2019, coming in hot with her float-like-a-butterfly, sting-like-a-bee flow. She kept up the momentum with a string of standout tracks, including 2021’s “Mock Me”, of which Pitchfork praised: “Sometimes you just want to hear someone talk shit, and SALIMATA has that down pat.”

Things really took off after 10k label founder MIKE and close affiliate Niontay recognised her as a rising star and encouraged her to take things to the next level. She released her acclaimed debut, Salimata Presents – OUCH, on 10k in 2022, followed by her Risky Business-inspired, Pink Siifu-featuring project Wooden Floors, released via Fada Records in 2024.

Now, fresh off a European tour supporting MIKE, a viral On The Radar freestyle and the release of her formidable album The Happening via 10k Global, SALIMATA is ready to bring her sound to Australia.

Firmly rooted in her identity, sound and community, SALIMATA makes her Australian debut at the cult-favourite Golden Plains festival in Meredith, alongside shows in Sydney and Melbourne.

Don’t sleep on this one. SALIMATA’s making her Australian debut, and the real ones already know.