Pantera Press to publish Human in collaboration with Ziggy Ramo

Pantera Press has acquired world rights for Human, the debut non-fiction book by artist Ziggy Ramo, to be published alongside Ramo’s forthcoming album of the same name, written in conjunction with the book during lockdown.

Part memoir, part history and part cultural reckoning, Human will continue Ramo’s vital work of inviting readers and listeners to confront the realities of colonisation and dispel the myths that pervade Australian society.

To say Ziggy Ramo’s voice is an important one in the Australian hip hop scene would be a gross understatement – over the last year, the 26-year-old Sydney-based artist has risen to national prominence with his insightful and arresting debut LP Black Thoughts, released to widespread acclaim in 2020. Ramo has since performed the album in a number of innovative ways reaching a wide and diverse audience, including notable performances at the Sydney Opera House and on ABC TV’s Q&A.

Acquired by Publisher Lex Hirst, Human will be published by Pantera Press in collaboration with Ramo Family. Ramo has plans, beyond Human, to nurture emerging Indigenous writers.

Ramo says, ‘I have always found that I learn in many ways and this joint project gives me the ultimate creative freedom to present my ideas in a way that is accessible for all. Whether you learn from reading or listening I want everyone to be able to fully engage with Human. It is not a book of answers, it is not a 10-step plan on how to fix this country. I am not speaking on behalf of anyone, I am simply sharing my lived experience. My family history is our country’s history, yet you have only heard one side.’

Pantera Press Publisher Katherine Hassett says: ‘Powerful, fearless and from the heart, Human asks if the cost of privilege in society is a denial of our full humanity. Before we can forge a way forward to a better Australia we must acknowledge the truth about invasion, slavery, intergenerational trauma and its consequences for Indigenous Australians – and this ground-breaking book will move hearts and minds.’

 

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For further information please contact Léa Antigny: 02 8096 5192 or lea.antigny@panterapress.com