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 spoke with renown musician Dave Arden. Dave will be releasing his latest album Red Desert Man at the Share The Spirit Festival & the Thornbury Theatre in February in 2021.

Red Desert Man is an introspective look at his experience as an Aboriginal man, searching for his identity and having a voice.

'The album is about where you come from and who you are. Once you find out who you are through that family tree you can start connecting the dots to understanding how much family you’ve got. It’s a special album to me because it explores my roots and has helped me to rediscover my identity.' – Dave Arden.

For Dave it’s all about family, community, culture, custom, lingo and tribal life. Dave’s forefathers hailed from Kokatha on the west coast of the Ceduna desert country, these influences have etched his path, and can be heard throughout the album, Red Desert Man. 

Putting your own music aside, can you tell us about any First Nations musicians that have had a big impact on you?

I grew up working with these three Elders; greats Carol Fraser, Mac Silva and the legendary Scrap Metal, and always listen to next generation First Nation artists.

It is with great pleasure we share with you his top tracks for Wuigada.

Carol Fraser - 'Koori Woman'

CAROL FRASER "KOORI WOMAN"

 

Mac Silva & Blacklace - 'Before You Accuse Me' 

Before_You_Accuse_Me - Mac_Silva & Blacklace @ Building_Bridges_Concert-Bondi_Beach_1988

 

Mac Silva & Blacklace - 'Malabar Mansion'

Malabar Mansion by Mac Silva

 

Chris Phillips - 'My People My People'

'My People My People' - Goori classic by the late Chris Phillips

 

Fitzroy Xpress - 'Rodeo Road'

'Rodeo Road' by Fitzroy Xpress

 

Scrap Metal - 'Broken Down Man'

Broken Down Man - Scrap Metal (1988)

 

Yabu Band - 'Gundulla/We Dance'

Yabu Band - Gundulla/We Dance (2009)

 

Dave Arden Ft. Paul Kelly - 'Freedom Called' 

Dave Arden Ft. Paul Kelly - Freedom Called (OFFICIAL VIDEO) 2013

 

Dave Arden - 'Red Desert Man' 

Dave Arden: Red Desert Man Official Video

 

Dave Arden - 'Kokatha Gunditjmara Clan' 

Dave Arden - Kokatha Gunditjmara Clan (Official Video)

 

Listen to the Wuigada playlist via YouTube now.

More Wuigada stories: Sue Ray, Troy Jungaji Brady, Dave ArdenShellie MorrisDeline BriscoeLJ HillSelwyn BurnsRoger Knox and Kutcha Edwards.

Artwork by Dixon Patten.