Indigenous songwriting project brings Kimberley languages to life through music

Buga Yanu Junba (Songs for Young Children) brings together 22 songs in Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Walmajarri, Kimberley Kriol and English, composed and recorded in Fitzroy Crossing over the past several years.

Produced by Tura as part of its award-winning Sound FX program, the album celebrates the culture, identity, and enduring strength of the Bunuba, Gooniyandi and Walmajarri people of the central Kimberley region. It is the culmination of years of collaboration between researchers, educators, families, Elders, musicians, language custodians, and cultural advisors.

The companion illustrated songbook, published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, extends the songs’ reach with lyrics, chords and notation, in-depth translations, and introductions from each songwriter. There are also karaoke versions of each song, a valuable tool for educators or families singing along at home.

The project was created through Tura’s Sound FX program, directed by Gillian Howell, in partnership with Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre and its early childhood service the Baya Gawiy Children and Family Centre, the University of Melbourne and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Each song carries stories and knowledges unique to the Kimberley. Thurranda Gurranda (written by Jayedene Green, Patsy Bedford, Annika Moses, and Gillian Howell) celebrates the return of brolgas each hot season, recalling the joy of family gatherings, while The Right-Size Galwanyi (written by Brenda Shaw, Patricia Cox, Delphine Shandley, Min En Chek, and Gillian Howell) teaches respect for Country by reminding fishers not to waste sawfish and to think about future generations. As Baya Gawiy educator Marina Bonnie said, "the new songs teach our children about the Old Ways."

Dr Gillian Howell from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music said Buga Yanu Junba and the songwriting action research highlight the deep interconnectedness of singing, songwriting, cultural knowledge, and wellbeing.

"Each recording is a capsule of knowledge, carrying the voices and wisdom of the songwriters and Elders who created it," Dr Howell said.

"During the development of the songbook and album, Baya Gawiy educators repeatedly emphasised how the new songs offer children and educators fresh resources for engaging with music as a wellbeing practice, lifting everyone’s spirits, re-energising groups, and strengthening connections to community, ancestors, place, and culture."

Songwriter and Senior Language Custodian Patsy Ngalu Bedford said: "I’m very proud to see the vision that was created by my Elders all those years ago still being carried on today. Those Elders have left us, but their dreams are coming true."

Songwriter June Nixon said, "If my Old People were here now and listened to these recordings, they’d be so proud to see the little ones grow and to carry it on and carry the knowledge from them in their hearts."

Walmajarri educator and songwriter Maria Marmingee Hand said: "I hope the songs in this important songbook, Buga Yanu Junba, will help keep our Kimberley languages strong, and give strong pilyurr (spirit, essence) to all children everywhere."

The album’s release is being marked by a roadshow tour with community performances and workshops, as well as an official community launch at Baya Gawiy, featuring a smoking ceremony and children’s performances.

The project also received support from the Minderoo Foundation, Healthway's Act Belong Commit message and the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts program.

Buga Yanu Junba (Songs for Young Children) by The Educators at Baya Gawiy is available to stream on Tura’s website and on major music streaming platforms, with all royalties going back to the community.

The songbook is published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and is now available to order online.