New songbook and album keeping Kimberley languages strong

“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," says Walmajarri educator and songwriter Maria Marmingee Hand

A new songbook Buga Yanu Junba meaning Songs for Young Children in Bunuba language, as well as its accompanying album of the same name, was launched last week at Baya Gawiy Buga yani Jandu yani u, an early childhood education and care centre run by Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre. 

The book, published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF), is a special collection of original songs in Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Walmajarri and Kimberley Kriol with English translations, and was designed as a companion to Buga Yanu Junba album written by early childhood educators, Elders, language educators, musicians, and school students from Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia, and nearby Communities.

These two projects are the culmination of years of collaboration between researchers, educators, families, Elders, musicians, language Custodians, and cultural advisors. 

The writing of the songs came about through a project led by University of Melbourne musician and researcher, Dr Gillian Howell, and produced by Tura, as part of its award-winning Sound FX program. These songs celebrate the cultures, identities, and enduring strengths of the Bunuba, Gooniyandi and Walmajarri People of the central Kimberley region. 

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.”

The songbook extends the songs’ reach with lyrics, chords and notations, in-depth translations, and introductions from each songwriter and beautiful illustrations created by Community. There are even karaoke versions of each song, a valuable tool for educators or families singing along at home!

Educator and co-researcher June Nixon reflected: “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.”

Each song carries stories and knowledges unique to the Kimberley. The song 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 song 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.

The songbook and album’s release was 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 songbook Buga Yanu Junba: Songs for Young Children is published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation with all royalties going back to the Community. It comes with a QR code where you can listen to the accompanying album by Tura.   

Available online now via the ILF Shop 

Songbook and album launch of Buga Yanu Junba: Songs for Young Children. The Bunuba girls singing group backed up by the language Elders (L-R) Brenda Shaw, Amarillo Oscar, Patsy Bedford and Marmingee Hand. Photo: Edify Media