With over 16,000 views on social media, the music video for the song Koori Nation, written and performed by Bega High School students during a four day intensive workshop, has brought the students all closer together.

“I think it’s a song that could bring all communities together,” the school’s Koori Support Worker and Djiringanj man Marcus Mundy said.

“I think it connects the students with their culture and identity, and brought some out of their shell in terms of their cultural identity.

“Once they get on their instruments nothing stops them, because they are so talented.”

For vocalist Jakiya Green-Aldridge, singing is a calming experience that brings out her confident side.

“For me, when I finish performing a song I’m not shy anymore, and I want to do it again and again,” she said.

Mya Green-Aldridge said she’s surprised at the amount of hype the song, which is now on constant rotation at home, has created.

“What I like about music is getting together with everyone and playing tunes,” she said.

Shakira Smith said the songwriting process showed her “not to be afraid to speak out”, and now her mum “never stops playing it”.

“It brought us all closer together,” she said.

“People have been commenting that it should be played on Triple J and Koori Radio.”

Guitarist Tayla Green-Aldridge said her little sister “knows every word of the song”, which the students said “calls out to everyone”.

Students worked closely with the crews at South East Arts and Grow the Music during the workshop, and performed together for the first time at the recent Giiyong Festival.

“When we were at the festival people said we should start a band,” Shakira said.

Mr Mundy said the song has taken over the local airwaves.

“I go through the Glebe and people are pumping it,” he said.

“Even my sister in Goulburn is playing it, it’s been unreal.”