DOBBY

Rhyan Clapham, known by his stage name Dobby (stylised as DOBBY), is a Filipino-Aboriginal Australian musician. He describes himself as a "drapper", a contraction of rapper and drummer, although he also plays other instruments and is also a composer. Dobby is also a workshop facilitator and speaker. In 2018, he spoke at Vivid Ideas at Sydney's Vivid festival, and in 2019 at the JLF Adelaide (Jaipur Literature Festival in Adelaide, South Australia). He is known for his 2024 album Warrangu: River Story, for which he won an ARIA Music Award.

Early life and education Rhyan Clapham was born in Wollongong, New South Wales. In 1985, his mother had emigrated from Tacloban in the Philippines, while his father is from Brewarrina, New South Wales, Australia. His father's mother was a Muruwari woman from Ngemba country in Brewarrina. He is a member of the Murrawarri Republic in Brewarrina.

Clapham studied classical piano in primary school from the age of seven, achieving AMEB Grade 6 in piano, and Grade 2 Musicianship. He then went on to study jazz drumming in high school, from age 14.

He earned a Bachelor of Music degree at UNSW,

Musical career Clapham describes himself as a "drapper", a contraction of the words rapper and drummer. He also plays piano. He used the award to develop his musicianship, and, in particular, to further his work on the stories of the Brewarrina Ngunnhu (Ngemba for "fish traps").

In 2018, he released his debut self-titled EP. In October of that year, he appeared in Adelaide as part of the OzAsia Festival, headlining a show at Nexus Arts, supported by DyspOra and ELSY.

In April 2019, Dobby performed at the Boomerang Festival, a section of Bluesfest at Byron Bay dedicated to Indigenous performance, art and culture.

In October 2019 he performed OzAsia in Adelaide. The online magazine Clothesline gave the performance five stars. Also in 2019, he released a cover version of "We Have Survived" by Aboriginal band No Fixed Address. The song references a number of issues specific to Indigenous Australians, such as the forced removal of children from families in the past, the high levels of Indigenous Australian incarceration, Aboriginal deaths in custody. "I Can't Breathe" won Best Video at the FBi SMAC Awards in 2020. Dobby performed alongside BARKAA at the Sydney New Year's Eve celebrations in 2021/22.

In June 2022, DOBBY presented Warrangu: River Story at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in partnership with Vivid Sydney. and was released three days later on 21 November 2022.

In May 2023, Dobby released the single "Walk Away"" which critiques the constant dismissal and erasure of Australia's indigenous history and colonialism.

In December 2023, Dobby released "Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya", the lead single from his debut album, Warrangu: River Story. This was followed in January 2024 with "Ancestor". Warrangu: River Story was released on 14 June 2024. At the 2024 ARIA Music Awards, the album won ARIA Award for Best World Music Album.

In January 2025, Christine Anu released the Dobby produced song "Piki Lullaby"

In February 2026, Dobby announced his second album Marshmallow will be released on 20 June 2026.

Jackie Brown Jr DOBBY raps with a band called Jackie Brown Jr. met while studying music in 2013. In October 2018 they released their debut EP Over-Abroad, and toured the country during the following two months. The band members are: Madeleine Mallis (of Good Pash) – lead vocalist and saxophonist Rhyan Clapham (DOBBY) – drummer, MC Michael J Brady – guitarist and keyboard player Gideon Traurig – bass Hilary Geddes (of The Buoys) – guitar

Musical style and themes DOBBY believes that hip hop music is a powerful educational tool:

Other appearances + List of other non-single song appearances Title Year Album "We Have Survived" 2019 Deadly Hearts 2 "1770"2020Ngarra-Burria Piyanna: Indigenous composers make an old piano sing "Bars of Steel" (Triple J Like a Version) 2024 Triple J Like a Version

Awards and nominations AIR Awards The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

Warrangu: River Story Best Independent Hip Hop Album or EP

ARIA Music Awards The ARIA Music Awards is an annual ceremony presented by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which recognise excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of the music of Australia. They commenced in 1987. 2024 Warangu; River Story Best World Music Album Australian Music Prize The Australian Music Prize (the AMP) is an annual award of $50,000 given to an Australian band or solo artist in recognition of the merit of an album released during the year of award. They commenced in 2005. 2024 Warrangu: River Story Australian Music Prize Environmental Music Prize The Environmental Music Prize is a quest to find a theme song to inspire action on climate and conservation. It commenced in 2022. 2025 "Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya" Environmental Music Prize

J Awards The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005. 2024 Dobby Double J Artist of the Year National Indigenous Music Awards The National Indigenous Music Awards recognise excellence, innovation and leadership among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians from throughout Australia. They commenced in 2004. The National Indigenous Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises the achievements of Indigenous Australians in music.

New Talent of the Year

Archie Roach Foundation Award

National Live Music Awards The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) commenced in 2016 to recognize contributions to the live music industry in Australia. 2023 Dobby Best Live Drummer