A creative collaboration between six young musicians from Bougainville and two highly regarded First Nations performers from Australia has led to the release of a track which encourages people to stand up for their communities.
Wan Solwara (One Ocean), released today through Wantok Musik, features Adrian Tjupurrula (Tjupurru) Fabila and his son Jake, with Michael Dave, Ruth Maison, Walter Kerevio, Jolista Masu, Robertha Yansi, and Milton Garea. Other contributors include bass guitarist Richard Mogu, Tsarlayse Iamu and Kawas Band. It was recorded in Bougainville in September 2022.
The artists used traditional and contemporary instruments including bamboo pipes, and didjeribone (a cross between a didjeridu and a trombone). Lyrics were co-written by the Hon. Morris Opeti MP, Richard Mogu, Tjupurru, Jake, and the young musicians.
Tjupurru and Jake are Djabera Djabera people of the West Australian Kimberly. Tjupurru was born in Port Moresby and has family connections to Central Province and Bougainville, so he was determined that Jake should be part of the exchange and “carry the spear forward”.
“It makes me so happy that the young Bougainvillean musicians are so passionate and strong in their culture. Now we’ve established a musical and cultural bridge between Australia and Bougainville, and we can keep building on that foundation” said Tjupurru.
Wan Solwara was mixed in Buka by Richard and local sound engineer Melchior Wagum and mastered by Wantok Musik sound engineers in Australia. The project underscores the power of cultural exchange to strengthen people-to-people links and supports Australia’s Indigenous diplomacy agenda.
The initiative was organised through Australia’s Development Assistance office in Buka, supported through public diplomacy funds and the Australian funded Bougainville Partnership Youth Initiative, in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government and Wantok Musik.
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Minister Morris Opeti, Jake, Michael Dave and Tjupurru with dancers at the welcome ceremony.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100