“A special blend of Aboriginal Australian blues, country, and gospel styles, coupled with personal storytelling." - Rolling Stone
“Blends blues, country, gospel and Walmatjarri songlines” - ABC
“Nagarra’s heartfelt album captivates listeners with its blend of First Nations blues, country and gospel, infused with her story and deep empathy for the struggles of others.” - Future Mag Music
“The album has been thousands of years in the making.” - Guitar World on Kankawa Nagarra
Walmatjarri, Gooniyandi and Bunuba Elder Kankawa Nagarra is just getting started. Known as the ‘Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu Delta’, the 80-year-old singer-songwriter and member of the Stolen Generations has overcome great adversity, becoming one of Australia’s most powerful blues and gospel voices.
Nagarra discovered country and rock on the radio while working on homesteads, before falling in love with the blues after hearing a street busker in Derby . She didn’t buy her first guitar until she was 40 – and has never looked back. Since then, she has toured stages around the world and supported Hugh Jackman on Broadway. As part of that she sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow translated into her own language.
In 2024, Nagarra won the prestigious Australian Music Prize for her luminous album Wirlmarni , which was recorded on Country. Singing in both Kriol and English, her music blends Aboriginal blues, country and gospel with raw, soulful storytelling.
With four albums, an autobiography and decades of cultural work behind her, Nagarra’s voice carries far beyond music. She helped write the Walmatjarri dictionary and continues to advocate fiercely for Country, language and human rights.
- 60 mins (no interval)
