Kankawa Nagarra Wins twentieth Soundmerch Australian Tune Prize

Kankawa Nagarra, the Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu and a Walmatjarri Elder, has been named the winner of the 20 th Soundmerch Australian Tune Prize (AMP) for her debut album Wirlmarni.

The popularity highlights the album’s cultural intensity and emotional resonance, mixing Aboriginal blues, nation, and gospel with Nagarra’s tough storytelling.

The album’s name, Wirlmarni, that means “disappearing,” displays issues of loss, resilience, and cultural preservation. Recorded on her ancestral lands, it options herbal neighborhood sounds and uncooked compositions, together with the poignant name observe, a duet with Archer.

In her acceptance speech, Nagarra expressed satisfaction in her success and the have an effect on it’s going to have on her neighborhood in Wangkatjungka, in particular at the faculty and youngsters she hopes to encourage as a job type. She devoted the award to her “long run ancestors.”

“I’m so extremely joyful and proud to obtain this award. Thankyou such a lot to AMP. Coming from the far off neighborhood of Wangkatjungka which prior to now has been proven in a detrimental gentle with the point of interest at the problems and issues,” Nagarra stated.

“Other people don’t incessantly get to look the pretty and sure sides of my house and I do know this award brings a lot satisfaction to the folk of Wangkatjungka, particularly to the college and the entire kids who I’m hoping to be a job type for.  I devote this award to all my little Greats with a different point out to Tykrira Wilson who stands with me at the quilt of the album. I really like all of them very a lot. They’re my long run ancestors. 

The AMP judges praised Wirlmarni for its authenticity and profound connection to Australia’s heritage. Nagarra emphasised that the album’s manufacturing is deeply rooted in ancestral traditions, calling it “1000’s of years within the making.”

AMP founder Scott Murphy described the judging procedure as difficult however in the long run rewarding, calling Wirlmarni a meriting winner, pronouncing, “The judges met this morning, face-to-face, to make a decision that the very deserving Wirlmarni via Kankawa would win the prize. It wasn’t a snappy and simple resolution to make – there have been 9 nice albums, all rather numerous, all with pass judgement on make stronger. Congratulations, Kankawa, on successful our twentieth prize!”

Impressed via the U.K.’s Mercury Prize, the AMP focuses completely on inventive advantage, spotting albums that go beyond business issues. This yr’s pageant featured over 600 eligible albums, narrowed to a shortlist of 9, showcasing the range of Australian song. Different nominees incorporated Hiatus Kaiyote, Nick Cave & The Dangerous Seeds, and Dobby.

Born on Gooniyandi and Walmatjarri land, Nagarra’s song blends conventional sounds with fresh influences, turning in songs in Kriol, English, and conventional languages. Her paintings highlights the intersection of nature, tradition, and song, reinforcing her message of environmental and cultural duty.

Kankawa Nagarra joins a prestigious lineup of previous AMP winners, together with Genesis Owusu, Sampa the Nice, and The Avalanches. Nagarra’s victory now not simplest cements her position in Australian song historical past but in addition amplifies the voices and tales of her far off neighborhood on a world degree.

Concentrate to Wirlmarni beneath.