Kankawa Nagarra Wins 2024 SoundMerch Australian Music Prize

Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu Delta, Kankawa Nagarra has taken home the 2024 Soundmerch Australian Music Prize with her debut album, Wirlmarni.

The record, a sensational and heartfelt release from the 80-year-old Walmatjarri Elder, teacher, and human rights advocate, has resonated with judges thanks to its blend of Aboriginal Australian blues, country, and gospel styles, infused with her personal story and deep empathy for the struggles of others.

Wirlmarni, which means ‘disappearing’, arrived in August as a moving collection of tracks recorded on Nagarra’s ancestral land, with the lyrics reflecting on the beauty and challenges of her life journey.

“I am so thrilled and proud to receive this award. Thankyou so much to AMP,” Nagarra said in a statement. “Coming from the remote community of Wangkatjungka which in the past has been shown in a negative light with the focus on the issues and problems.

“People don’t often get to see the beautiful and positive aspects of my home and I know this award brings much pride to the people of Wangkatjungka, especially to the school and all the children who I hope to be a role model for.

“I dedicate this award to all my little Greats with a special mention to Tykrira Wilson who stands with me on the cover of the album,” she continued. “I love them all very much. They are my future ancestors.”

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Born on the traditional lands of the Gooniyandi and Walmatjarri peoples, Nagarra’s music blends her patriarchal and matriarchal bloodlines with lyrics in Kriol and English. With resonant tracks that showcase her powerful storytelling, it’s a record that creates a narrative of survival and strength.

“Many thanks to Darren Hanlon and Flippin Yeah Records who helped me craft how it should look and sound,” she added. “I wanted for it to be a very natural concept with just me and my guitar and the sounds of nature, and the sounds of my community. In that way the production of the album has been thousands of years in the making. I wish to thank Mississippi Records for getting my music out to the rest of the world.

“I feel that music is a responsibility,” she added. “Caring for nature is a responsibility, and protecting culture is a responsibility for its holistic wellbeing. All these things are connected, and I make it my life’s work.”

Wirlmarni was selected as the winning album from a total pool of over 600 eligible albums released between October 28th, 2023, and October 25th, 2024. Ultimately, 46 official nominations were whittle down to a total of nine, which also included releases from Amyl And The Sniffers, Dobby, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and more.