Buga Yanu Junba brings Kimberley languages to life through music

A joyful new album of children’s songs, created through a partnership between  Tura, Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre and their early childhood and family centre, Baya Gawiy, is bringing Kimberley languages to life through music, while offering a playful and practical way to learn.

Buga Yanu Junba (Songs for Young Children) brings together 22 songs in Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Walmajarri, Kimberley Kriol and English, composed and recorded in Fitzroy Crossing over the past several years.

Led by musician and researcher Dr Gillian Howell and produced by Tura as part of its award-winning Sound FX program, the album celebrates the culture, identity, and enduring strength of the Bunuba, Gooniyandi and Walmajarri people of the central Kimberley region. It’s the culmination of years of collaboration between educators, families, Elders, musicians, language custodians, researchers, and cultural advisors.

The companion illustrated songbook, published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation extends the songs’ reach with lyrics, chords and notation, in-depth translations, and introductions from each songwriter. There are even karaoke versions of each song, a valuable tool for educators or families singing along at home.

Each song carries stories and knowledge unique to the Kimberley. Thurranda Gurranda (written by Jayedene Green, Patsy Bedford, Annika Moses, Gillian Howell) celebrates the return of brolgas each hot season, recalling the joy of family gatherings. The Right-Size Galwanyi (Brenda Shaw, Patricia Cox, Delphine Shandley, Min En Chek, Gillian Howell) teaches respect for Country by reminding fishers not to waste sawfish and to think about future generations. Jandamarra (Fitzroy Valley District High School students, Gillian Howell, Jane Barker, Bryn Dolan) tells the story of the legendary Bunuba resistance leader. 

“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,” said songwriter and Senior Language Custodian, Patsy Ngalu Bedford.

Walmajarri educator and songwriter Maria Marmingee Hand added: “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.”

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.”

The album’s release is being marked by a Roadshow Tour with performances and workshops in Bayulu, Joy Springs, Wangkatjungka, Ngalangkadji, Noonkanbah, Yungngora, and Kulkarriya School, with further visits to Yiramalay/Manjali Studio Schools and Yakanarra (TBC).

The official launch will take place on Friday 19 September from 2–5pm at Baya Gawiy, featuring a smoking ceremony, children’s performances, book display, food and conversation.

Buga Yanu Junba (Songs for Young Children) by The Educators at Baya Gawiy is available to stream at tura.com.au featuring bespoke artwork animations, as well as on Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify and iTunes with all royalties going back to the community. 

The songbook is published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and is available for pre-order from all good bookshops.