Black Rock Band

Wuigada is a dedicated space where First Nations musicians can share and celebrate music made by other First Nations musicians with PBS audiences.  

Wuigada was named and developed by the highly acclaimed indigenous singer songwriter, Kutcha Edwards. Wuigada in Mutti Mutti means 'to sing'.    

In this edition of Wuigada we hear from Richie Guymala of Black Rock Band. Black Rock Band are rising rockstars out of remote West Arnhem Land producing a unique rock fusion of traditional and contemporary music in both Kunwinjku and English. Black Rock Band celebrate their connection to country, fighting for social justice and the future they want to see for the next generation. 

 

While COVID has impacted the bands activities over the last 18 months, they are currently planning 2022 tours for Arhenland and southern Australia. Melbourne is penciled in for the southern tour, so be sure to keep an eye out for the tour announcement and dates. 

We asked Richie for his top 10 songs, and about a song he has a particular connection to, here is what he had to say: 

“The Yothu Yindi song, ‘Tribal Voice’. Yothu Yindi is a really important band for us. We have the same motifs, and how we connect to our community and family trees. And also Warumpi Band - the singer from Warumpi Band was my great great uncle and he had a big impact on my life. He drove me to want to start my own band, so that’s why I started Black Rock Band. Warumpi Band is an important band for a lot of bands in our community.”  

Richie Guymala of Black Rock Band’s top 10 songs for Wuigada are: 

Warumpi Band – 'My Island Home'

 

Yothu Yindi – 'Treaty'

 

Saltwater Band – 'Gela Boy'

 

A.B. Original – 'Australia Day'

 

Yothu Yindi – 'Tribal Voice'

 

Nabarlek Band – 'Wanderer'

 

East Journey - 'Bright Lights Big City'

 

Yothu Yindi – 'Dots On The Shell'

 

Tjupi Band – 'Radio'

 

Cold Water Band – 'Red Black Yellow'

 

Listen to the Wuigada playlist in full via YouTube now.

Visit all the Wuigada stories, or check out: Allara, Emma Donovan,  Marlene Cummins, Benny Walker, Stiff Gins, Ripple Effect Band, Waveney Yasso, Sue Ray, Troy Jungaji Brady, Dave Arden, Shellie Morris, Deline Briscoe, LJ Hill, Selwyn Burns, Roger Knox and Kutcha Edwards.

Artwork by Dixon Patten.