Christine Anu
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Christine Anu

Since she burst onto the scene with her 1995 debut album Stylin Up, singing those iconic lyrics – “Steppin out with my deadly red shoes, stylin up cause I’m wearing something new” – there’s no denying that the beautifully vivacious Christine Anu could get any party started.
Fast forward to Christmas 2014 and the release of Island Christmas, the perfect soundtrack to our beach, backyard and BBQ celebrations. “Woo hoo! I’m so happy to have this released finally! I wrote the title track in 2007 for a childrens album I did, so to see it on a full Christmas album is fantastic – my kids [son Kuiam and daughter Zipporah] sing on this version as well,” Christine smiled, her enthusiasm infectious.
“Rehashing the song [‘Island Christmas’] for the album was absolutely wonderful because I was doing it with more of a grown-up audience in mind. I wrote the lines: ‘I fair dinkum love this country. The green, the gold, the red, black and yellow, are the colours of Christmas to me’. I just wanted to sing about everything that we’ve grown up with, and what Australiana means to all of us,” she cooed.
Immediately at ease, I counter that it’s a godsend, because my Mariah Carey and Michael Buble Christmas records are getting a little old – to which Christine replied, laughing: “Mine too! I’m always going back to the same Christmas albums, and there’s nothing wrong with that because Christmas comes around only once a year. It’s nice to have those tried and tested songs that we all love to listen to.
“I see Island Christmas as my contribution, and I hope it’ll become part of everyone’s classics … it’s a great stocking addition as well,” she added with a wink.
Some of the classics on Island Christmas are ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Carol of the Drum / Peace on Earth’ (feat. Jay Laga’aia), ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ (feat. The Voice’s Steve Clisby), and a fresh take on the American classic ‘Ooh Child’.
“I found this song [‘Ooh Child’] on BeBe and CeCe Winans’ Christmas album. It was first made popular by Nina Simone, but I did a version like the ’70s band The Five Stairsteps, which had a social message when it was released . . . I wanted it to have a ‘We Are the World’ kind of feeling,” Christine said warmly. “It’s also special because you can hear my children’s voices on that track too.”
Family is extremely important to the proud mum of two: “I love to play festivals where families come together and enjoy the music. That’s why I love the vibe at the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
“I played it last year, so imagine my surprise when I got invited back – I mean, who gets to do the same festival two times in a row?” she beamed. “I just felt so lucky … and Port Fairy, what a beautiful part of the world to visit. It’s got a great reputation and the line up just keeps getting better and better every year. So come on down to Port Fairy, but before that, rush out and grab a copy of Island Christmas!”
Island Christmas is out now through Social Family Records.
When&Where: Port Fairy Folk Festival – March 6-9
By Natalie Rogers