Singing the Blues Kimberley Style with Kankawa Nagarra

LOCATION: Shearing Shed

Kankawa Nagarra is a Walmatjarri Elder and blues singer-songwriter from the isolated desert community of Wangkatjungka in WA’s East Kimberly. This unique and inspiring performer is also well-respected elder, teacher, mentor, human rights advocate, and political activist. She fell in love with the blues after hearing it on the radio as a young woman, the music reminding her of the repetitive sounds and rhythms of the traditional Aboriginal music she was brought up with in the desert.

This presentation explores how the girl from Wangkatjungka in WA’s remote Kimberley region who did not own her own guitar until she was 40, built an international career as a touring artist and continued singing the blues in her own language, in an area where country and reggae are king. From performing in remote communities, she went to opening for Hugh Jackman on the International stage, performing at iconic venues such as the Hollywood Bowl.