Three Brothers. One Voice. Limitless Impact
Matt, Nate and Dan Curran are passionate about celebrating their indigenous roots.
Curtin graduates Dan Curran (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery) and Nate Curran (Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy) are proud Yamatji brothers, fiercely committed to creating change, both through their professional careers and as members of Indigenous hip hop group 3NA.
Together with their eldest brother Matt Curran — a seasoned artist with more than two decades of industry experience, 3NA are on a mission to spark meaningful change.
What began as living room concerts for family and friends has transformed into powerhouse performances, chart-topping singles, and a message that reaches far beyond the stage.
From a young age, the brothers discovered the power of music and brotherhood.
Whether they are delivering medical care to remote Indigenous communities, challenging curriculum gaps, or mentoring youth through music, Matt, Nate and Dan are carving a path toward a better future.
Graduating two years ago, Dan is now a qualified doctor working in Rubibi (Broome).
“Personally, I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to work in remote WA,’’ he said.
“There’s magic that lives in these places and there’s thousands and thousands of years of bush medicine and traditional healing knowledge to learn about.”
Growing up, Dan said he was inspired by rappers like KRS-One and Nas – artists whose words lit a fire in him and showed him that education wasn’t just a choice, but a path to something greater.
Dan (centre) brings the same fire to the mic as he does to his profession.
“As Nas said, You can be anything in the world, in God we trust… an architect, doctor, maybe an actress, but nothin’ comes easy, it takes much practice,’’ he said.
“Lyrics like these made me believe that no matter what, whether you were black or white, rich or poor, anything was possible if you put your mind to it.
Whether he’s playing the didgeridoo on stage or stepping into a lecture theatre, Nate uses every opportunity to amplify Indigenous perspective.
Nate at his graduation with Matt and Dan.
“Lecturing is being able to walk between two worlds,” he said.
“Coming from a non-academic background and being the first male Aboriginal OT graduate through Curtin, I saw many students graduate without the cultural competence to work respectfully with our mob.
“Now I get to help change that.
“I speak my truth, and I’m respected for it – both by my students and colleagues.
“I can see the shift in students by the end of the units, and that’s what keeps me going.”
The brothers’ journey through music and higher education is as layered and powerful as their story itself.
3NA delivering a powerful performance at Curtin’s February Bunuru graduations.
Matt said making music with his brothers was one of his greatest blessings.
“When I was diagnosed with cancer, it was music that got me out of bed each day,” he said.
“The creative outlet gave me hope, strength, and something to fight for.
“Creating change through music isn’t just a passion, it’s a purpose. I’ve seen firsthand the way music can be a literal lifeline. It didn’t just help me mentally, it carried me physically.”
As a mentor and leader within 3NA, Matt has found purpose and fulfilment running youth music workshops.
“Young people going through tough times have found healing, direction, and identity through music,” he said.
3NA form a tight, creative force – amplifying each other’s talents and standing united in their mission to inspire change through music.
Using their individual strengths (medical, academia & arts) 3NA are changing the conversation for First Nations people and creating positive change.
In August, 3NA will headline Zero2Hero’s youth mental health conference, sharing their message with a new generation of young minds.
With one foot grounded in tradition and the other stepping boldly into the future, Matt, Nate and Dan aren’t just building a fanbase – they’re sparking a movement.
And the best part? They’re only just getting started.
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