Mr Takele graduated Griffith High School in 2018 and has spent the last year honing his rap skills at the Australian Institute of Music in Melbourne.

He's now come back with a totally new sound, a mix of rock, hip-hop, and indie genres all blended together to create AKIB's unique style.

But although he's played with genre conventions, the fundamental message behind his music remains the same.

"It's all about my journey, my life story, my family, my friends, my experiences," Mr Takele said.

"I'm always grateful and thankful to Griffith, because they gave me so much."

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He made the journey from Ethiopia to Griffith at the age of seven, and his memories of making friends, finding a community, and discovering his love for rap are the inspiration for his music.

"Eventually I found my group, I found my sound, I found myself, and this is what my music speaks about," Mr Takele said.

"I come back so frequently because my heart is still at home, and my gift back to Griffith is my music."

Mr Takele is just one of the up-and-coming young artists who will be showcased at My Fest, which will kick off on October 25 at Memorial Park.

It will feature musical workshops, live performances, parkour demonstrations, and fire eating over the course of two days.

More information can be found at the Griffith Visitor's Information Centre.

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