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 Yorta Yorta musician, composer, filmmaker, and creative, Allara. Allara has been working extremely hard, producing and performing an extraordinary amount of work in recent times:
‘I was involved in a number of performances for YIRRAMBOI, beginning with coming back together with a very talented group of women to perform an original composition, a collaboration between myself and the women titled 'Burrunan' which was about the Burrunan dolphin. This song was part of the Yaluk-ut Weelam Ngargee opening event, Gareeal, which I co-curated with the City of Port Philip. It felt great to get the women together again and share the opening song of YIRRAMBOI, this time, with my sister Marinda Pattison, present. She has just completed her honours researching different aspects of the Burrunan Dolphin and was the main inspiration for writing the work. A true community collaboration. Read more about it here.
I composed a soundscape type alongside James Howard and Theo McMahon which was played on the speakers under the walkway between The Arts Centre and Hamer Hall. My section of the 3 part soundscape called ‘Yulendji’ focused on reworking an old song called 'Kuburu's song' which is about the Koala. You can listen here and read more about it here.
I was also involved in performing in the Political Cabaret 'A Fight For Survival', where I was joined by my dear friend and colleague, Basil Byrne, on the trumpet and backing vocals. It was very special and such an honour to be a part of telling the story of the Northlands School and fight. During the setup of the story we performed my song 'Rekindled Systems'.
Finally, I also had the honour of playing double bass and performing with Robert K Champion for his debut new work, a set of songs, titled ‘Manta Milmilpa’ (Sacred Ground) at the Recital Centre Melbourne. Again, another profoundly moving and spiritually healing musical experience. Robert is one of the most important musicians in the country right now and I hope this show is performed again so more people can experience what he has written.
I am now preparing new music for a performance on July 19 at the Recital Centre, more details to come so hang tight!’
We asked Allara to nominate a song by a First Nations musician that had a big impact on her, she chose 'Took the Children Away' by Uncle Archie Roach.
'Uncle Archie Roach was one of the First Aboriginal Musicians I ever heard. This song helped me understand what happened to our people and why things are the way they are today. He helped me understand intergenerational trauma. This song was the most spiritual, educational, and honest way I'd ever heard a story be told. I am still learning from this song every time I hear it or see Uncle Archie play it live.’
Allara's top 10 songs for Wuigada are:
Flewnt, Jamilla - 'Children of the Files'
Lady Lash - 'Yadu'
BUMPY - 'Falling'
Miiesha - 'Drowning'
Birdz ft. Fred Leone - 'Bagi-la-m Bargan'
Ruby Hunter - 'It's Okay'
Thelma Plum - 'Woke Blokes'
Oetha - 'Disturbing the Peace'
Archie Roach - 'Spiritual Love'
Kutcha Edwards - 'We Sing'
Listen to the Wuigada playlist in full via YouTube now.
Visit all the Wuigada stories, or check out: 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.
