The Booyah Group

The Booyah Group is a consultancy who has worked primarily in the health, education, music and social services sectors since 2009. We have an experienced team with tailored skills and experience which enables us to achieve our commitment to delivering highly effective, timely and outcome focused solutions. The Booyah Group comprises four sections, The Booyah Project (Community and Corporate), Booyah Music and Training & Development.

The Booyah Project (Community)
The purpose of The Booyah Project (Community) is to provide an environment that allows young people & adults to share their stories. The Project utilises aspects of performance, music production & songwriting as ways in which they can express themselves. Over the past seven years we’ve supported young people and adults to write, produce, record and perform their own stories in a space that is safe, therapeutic and non judgemental. The Booyah Project is funded through fees from our professional & corporate work, however we are open to sponsorships that may be offered.

The Booyah Project (Corporate)
The Booyah Project (Corporate) utilises the use of music to unify organisational culture by utilising scientific principles of music to strengthen social bonds and heightened emotional connection. Our broad offering of musical experiences encompasses team building, corporate entertainment and brand activation. We proudly work with companies and services of all shapes and sizes. Our musicians and facilitators are well-versed in corporate culture and team engagement.

The Booyah Music Group
The Booyah Music Group was established in 2010 with the view of developing and nurturing artists. It’s no secret that musicians and artists today are choosing an independent approach to the music industry. However, taking on such a task involves wearing an awful lot of hats! With such a large responsibility placed on the shoulders of an individual artist, it can be very difficult to not only understand all aspects of the music industry, but to also spend time developing every area of your chosen career. Our aim is to provide artists with high-quality creative, mentoring and promotional services. This includes songwriting, music production, marketing, performance analysis and project management.

Training & Development
Our Training & Development specialists have a strong track record of delivering high quality training and support to the health, education & social services sectors. Our training courses are designed to support best practice in the context of some challenging agendas facing the adult & children’s social services sectors. We understand that well trained & supported staff are key to the successful delivery of quality outcomes for both children and adults. Our packages are designed to be time effective and of high impact. We recognise the importance of training across the sectors; therefore many of our courses are designed for multi-agency participation.

Meet The Team

Garry has worked in the human services field for over thirty years in a government and non government environment. He has strived to achieve success in engagement, community education, training and capacity development, and possesses a passion about building a society that values all people and supports their equitable participation in the full life of a community. Garry started The Booyah Group in 2009 with the purpose of using music, songwriting and performance as a way in which young people and adults share their stories. He’s grateful to be in this space and feels privileged to be part of the process which allows people to share and express their experiences.

Koebi is an experienced musician who has been professional for the last 7 years in the areas of performance, writing, recording and education. He began producing music for other artists at 17 and quickly developed a reputation for being able to take musical ideas and concepts and materialise them into reality. Koebi oversees the Booyah Music label which develops and nurtures artists, his areas of expertise are session recording, songwriting and everything related with music production in general. As a multi-instrumentalist and usually produces, arranges and plays on all of the instruments on tracks. He enjoys all kinds of music, from old school to future-sounding electronics, and everything in between.

Jemuel Chadwick, also known as MN Cappo, is a hip hop artist, music producer, and audio engineer from Canberra, Australia. Born in France, he moved to Australia at 10 and found his love for hip hop through his older brother. Initially a hip hop dancer, Jemuel transitioned to writing lyrics in high school, influenced by artists like Kerser, Nas, and The Notorious B.I.G. Despite facing challenges learning English due to a learning disability, he honed his lyrical skills. Jemuel has performed at notable venues like The Sydney Opera House and opened for Terror Reid. In 2022, he won the Arts & Multimedia Award at the Young Canberra Citizen Awards. He also runs hip hop workshops, giving back to the music community.

Joe Niko exhibited a passion for music from a young age, and with his parents encouragement and support, he began playing the piano at 5. This followed playing piano regularly for church congregations soon after with members commenting on how he brought a “soulful and blues” feel to his interpretation of traditional church songs. A qualified piano teacher, he also plays the drums, bass, guitar, conducts music producing and deejaying workshops to the youth sector as a way of sharing his knowledge and skill back into the community. Joe is an accomplished performer and has produced numerous music projects over the past fifteen years.

Born in Sydney in 1965 and educated in Canberra, Dale Huddleston is connected to the Ngardi language group of the Roper River Region in Eastern Arnhem Land. A gifted musician, Dale writes a blend of songs about Aboriginal culture and a connection to land, people and family. He plays the guitar & the didgeridoo & has released five albums & has supported the likes of Jessica Maubouy, Troy Cassar Daley, Casey Donovan, Archie Roach, Yothu Yindi, Jimmy Little, Blue King Brown, Russell Morris, Shane Howard & the Goanna Band. He’s also a talented artist, his artwork has featured on the shirts of Super Rugby Club, the Brumbies, at the Sydney 2000 Olympic games.

Wayne Kelly has been a professional musician for over 30 years and has played or recorded with notable musicians including Wynton Marsalis, James Morrison, Dale Barlow, Andrew Speight, Don Burrows, Roy Hargrove, Walter Blanding, Marcus Printup, Andrew Dickeson and Eric Alexander. Wayne plays as a solo jazz piano player as well as with his own trio and with larger ensembles. He has performed overseas for a number of years including residencies at the Venetian Resort in Macau; the Park Hyatt and the Peninsula Hotel in Shanghai; and CJW in Beijing. Wayne has a Graduate Diploma in Jazz Studies from the Australian National University.

Toa Takiari has had a successful career in business and community development in the ACT since the 1960s, with periods in Tonga and New Zealand. As a professional hairdresser, she managed multiple businesses in Canberra, mentoring young stylists. Driven by a passion for empowering the Pacific Island community, Toa helped create opportunities for vulnerable members to develop skills and embrace their culture. She co-founded The United Nesian Movement, offering a platform for Pacific Island youth to celebrate their heritage. Toa has hosted cultural programs on Radio 2XX and coordinated the Pacific Island Showcase at the National Multicultural Festival. She also founded the Niu Oceanic Cultural Centre and serves as Vice President of Fair Canberra Inc.

Eshan Dean is a trailblazer in the Pacific Island Reggae scene in Australia. Originally from the Cook Islands, his music reflects the vibrant rhythms and island vibes of his heritage. Now based in Canberra, Eshan has performed and collaborated with leading Reggae artists across New Zealand and Australia. As a talented producer and songwriter, he has established a strong presence in the Canberra live music scene. Eshan's unique sound blends Reggae, R&B, and Hip-hop, creating a fusion that resonates with diverse audiences and sets him apart in the industry.

Faonetapu Takiari is a Pasifika community leader based in Ngunnawal country, with nearly a decade of experience in multiculturalism, youth services, and community advocacy in Canberra. As a valued member of Fair Canberra Inc., Faonetapu played a key role in the 2021 National Kava Forum, which facilitated community consultations on Kava policy and regulation with local and federal government. He also runs a Kava Lounge service in Canberra, hosting health workshops, corporate events, and public sessions. Faonetapu aims to leverage his experience and service to improve health outcomes for Pasifika communities in Canberra and beyond.

Aaron is a talented producer, songwriter, and marketer who has collaborated with major artists and labels. He emphasises the importance of artist development, focusing on discovering the unique sound and emotion that defines an artist’s identity. As a world-class multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Aaron often plays all the instruments on a track, showcasing his versatility across various genres. His ability to blend influences seamlessly enhances his production. Aaron is also a skilled vocal producer, guiding singers to achieve their best performances. His passion for music and attention to detail make him a sought-after professional in the industry.