An 80-Year-Old Blues Queen from Australia’s Outback Wins Top Music Prize
Kankawa Nagarra, a remarkable octogenarian blues musician hailing from a remote Aboriginal community in Australia, has stunned the music world by winning the prestigious Australian Music Prize (AMP) for her debut album, "Wirlmarni."
Naggara, known affectionately as "the Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu Delta," edged out celebrated artists like Nick Cave, the Dirty Three, and Amyl and the Sniffers to claim the $50,000 award.
"I feel thrilled and proud to win," Nagarra said upon receiving the award. She described her debut album, "Wirlmarni," as a culmination of her life’s journey, encompassing "the sounds of nature and people" in Wangkatjungka, her remote community in northern Western Australia. "Coming from Wangkatjungka, which has often been portrayed negatively, it’s uplifting to see the beautiful and positive aspects highlighted."
Naggara, who was taken from her family as part of the Stolen Generations, discovered her love for music after being immersed in gospel singing as a child. She later explored country and rock but ultimately found her true passion in the blues, inspired by a chance encounter with a street musician.
While she didn’t buy her first guitar until she was 40, Nagarra’s gift for music quickly resonated. Singing in both Kriol and English, she has graced stages worldwide, including a tour with Hugh Jackman for his "Back on Broadway" show.
The AMP, inspired by the UK’s Mercury Prize, is widely considered Australia’s most coveted music award, focusing entirely on artistic merit. It has a proven track record of recognizing emerging talent, with 10 of its 20 winners being debut albums.
This year’s shortlist showcased a diverse range of Australian musical talent, including Amyl and the Sniffers for "Cartoon Darkness," Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds for "Wild God," Grace Cummings for "Ramona," and the Dirty Three for "Love Changes Everything."
Scott Murphy, founder of the AMP, noted that the decision was not taken lightly. "It was a tough call with nine great albums, each unique and supported by our judges," he said. "Kankawa Nagarra is a very deserving winner."
Naggara, beyond her musical prowess, is a tireless advocate for her community. She helped develop the Walmatjarri dictionary in the 1960s and currently works to address critical issues such as youth suicide and substance abuse, particularly fetal alcohol syndrome, within Aboriginal communities.
Her victory arrives as a shining example of the power of music to transcend boundaries and inspire change. With her soulful voice and profound connection to her heritage, Kankawa Nagarra has not only captured the hearts of her community but also earned the highest distinction in Australian music.
