If Western Australia could be embodied by a single person, it might speak and sound something like rapper and WA Day Festival headliner Drapht.
The acclaimed performer enjoyed early schooling in Perth’s northern suburbs, and attended Perth Modern before taking up a roof carpentry apprenticeship almost two decades ago that he cut short to pursue a full-time hip hop career.
Now a 43-year-old Doubleview dad, Drapht — who goes by Paul Reid — is just as content perched at the beach with his young family or travelling down south as as he is on stage in front of thousands.
“The north has always been home, and the south kind of just feels like a holiday,” he told The West Australian.
Arguably best known for his catchy 2008 hit Jimmy Recard, and 2011’s Rapunzel, the two-time ARIA winner said it’s always special playing within driving distance from his house, and even more so when his lyrics are sung back to him by fans of all ages.
Drapht riffs about footy, girls, Bali holidays, youth, and everything people who were raised in WA can relate to.
Admitting he “loves these WA Day Festivals” after several previous performances, the rapper said there’s one particular demographic the rapper he’s most hoping to impress.
“My little one, my daughter’s coming along, and a lot of her school friends are coming along too. A lot of them haven’t seen me play before, so it’s going to be great,” he said.
Drapht will be one of many local acts to feature in the WA music showcase, aptly supported by rockers Jebediah and Little Birdy.
With music the driving force behind the weekend’s entertainment piece, Celebrate WA chairman Scott Jones said the two-day affair was designed to be a celebration of all that is great about our State.
“The WA Day Festival is a wonderful opportunity for our community to celebrate what makes Western Australia unique, our people, our culture, our creativity, and our local talent,” Mr Jones said.
“This year’s WA music line up is something I’m incredibly proud to bring to the community — from old favourites like Jebediah and Drapht to up-and-coming talent such as Ullah and Mariae Cassandra. We’re excited to welcome families, music fans and visitors to join the festivities at a free event that is available and accessible to everyone.”
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk echoed Mr Jones, suggesting the musical program’s variety would rival that of many previous years.
“From rock and indie to hip hop and First Nations performers, the line up reflects the diversity and creativity of our local music community,” she said.
Organisers have unsurprisingly cited clearer skies and warmer weather as the benefits to shifting the festival from its early June perch to a sunnier November slot.
It means headline events such as the fireworks display, mascot race, and the Hardwired BMX display have clearer air.
WA Day Festival will overlap with the highly anticipated first Ashes Test — which starts on Friday — signalling the unofficial start to summer in Perth, depending who you ask.
Out to remind the State, and any passing visitors, that west is best, Drapht said he’s always been a champion of WA and still has to “pinch myself” because he calls it home.
“Whenever I hear people, especially young, (say) ‘Oh, Perth is so boring’, I’m like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ Because I’ve travelled quite a bit throughout touring and my youth, there’s literally no place like Perth in the world, and it’s just incredible to come home to,” he said.
The rapper won’t be alone during his set, teasing a couple of special guest cameos that will remain a secret until he takes the stage.
https://thewest.com.au/news/wa-day/wa-day-2025-rapper-drapht-out-to-remind-all-how-lucky-we-are-to-call-this-state-home-c-20655349
