New album, Buga Yanu Junba, bringing Kimberley languages to life through music

Traditional Kimberley languages will feature in a new educational album for children produced by local artists in partnership with Tura, Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre and their early childhood and family centre, Baya Gawiy.

The album, Buga Yanu Junba (Songs For Young Children) is set to release on September 19 and features 22 songs in Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Walmajarri, Kimberley Kriol and English, offering a practical and playful way for young children to learn the languages of the Kimberley.

A companion illustrated songbook, featuring the translated lyrics of each song, music chords and introductions from each songwriter, has also been produced alongside the album to make learning the songs easier.

Senior language custodian and songwriter Patsy Ngalu Bedford said it was great to see the culmination of years of hard work.

“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,” she said.

All of the songs featured were written and recorded in Fitzroy Crossing over the past several years with each song carrying its own story unique to the Kimberley.

Some highlights include Thurranda Gurranda which celebrates the return of brolgas each hot season, The Right-Size Galwanyi which reminds people not to waste sawfish and Jandamarra which tells the story of the legendary Bunuba resistance leader.

Walmajarri educator and songwriter Maria Marmingee Hand hoped the new album would help keep Kimberley languages thriving into the future.

“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,” she said.

Led by musician and researcher Gillian Howell and produced by Tura as part of its Sound FX program, the album also has karaoke versions of each song for families and educators to sing along to.

A Roadshow Tour with performances of the album and workshops in Bayulu, Joy Springs, Wangkatjungka, Ngalangkadji, Noonkanbah, Yungngora, and Kulkarriya School will also take place with further visits to Yiramalay/Manjali Studio Schools and Yakanarra to be confirmed.

Educator and co-researcher June Nixon said her ancestors would be proud that the album is helping pass down language to future generations.

“If my old people were here now and listened to these recordings, they’d be so proud to see the little ones grow and carry the knowledge from them in their hearts,” she said.

The album will be officially launched at ceremony at Baya Gawiy on September 19 featuring a smoking ceremony and children’s performances.