Wuigada is a dedicated space where First Nations musicians can share and celebrate music made by other First Nations musicians with PBS audiences.
Wuigada was named and developed by the highly acclaimed indigenous singer songwriter, Kutcha Edwards. Wuigada in Mutti Mutti means 'to sing'.
In this edition of Wuigada we hear from BUMPY, a proud Noongar woman who delves into a world where vulnerability is power. BUMPY released her debut single 'Falling' in November 2020 and has not looked back since. She has just curated the incredible line up for Wominjeka at MPavilion, the opening night of Melbourne Music Week on Friday 3 December, then the following night she will perform a solo set at Max Watt’s for the MMW Club: WAT Artists Presents Fam Jam.
We caught up with BUMPY and asked her what else she's been up to.
'I have been working on an upcoming release called ‘Return Home’. It has been a long process with many reschedules from the pandemic, but it is on its way to mark a follow up release after dropping my debut single ‘Falling’ in Nov 2020. 'Return Home’ explores my relationship with growing up away from country and where I find connection to home. It’s been a very personal and healing process and I’m really excited to bring it into the world in Feb 2022.
I am really honoured to have been asked to curate the opening night of Melbourne Music Week this year. On 3 December at MPavilion we present Wominjeka with all First Nations performances from Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Izy, Kee’ahn, Squid Nebula, DJ pgz and the Murrandaya Yepengna Dance Troupe. So excited for this event!'
We also asked BUMPY to tell us about one song in particular by a First Nations artist that has had an impact on her.
'There are so many, I think one that has been particularly present throughout my journey is Yil Lull by Joe Geia. I remember my mum singing me to sleep with this song. I first heard it performed live by Uncle Kutcha at an event down on Gunai Kurnai Country where I grew up. The magic of his voice was so warm and commanding and when the chorus kicked in, the entire crowd joined him. Whenever experiencing this song live it has always been so electric, and always comforting to hear everyone come together celebrating an iconic First Nations song. It is a constant reminder that our stories are healing and have always been a way to come together and unite through music.'
Let's see what other treasures BUMPY has selected for Wuigada.
Kutcha Edwards - 'Singing Up Country'
Mambali ft. Emily Wurramara - 'Yuwani'
Izy - 'No Further Than You'
DRMNGNOW ft. Kee’ahn - 'Australia Does Not Exist'
Emma Donovan & The Putbacks - 'Out The Door'
Kee’ahn - 'Better Things'
Kaiit - 'Miss Shiney'
MO’JU - 'Native Tongue'
Electric Fields - 'Shade Away'
Deline Briscoe - 'Heartbeat'
That brings us to the end of BUMPY's Wuigada list, but we'll leave you with BUMPY's first single 'Falling'.
Listen to the Wuigada playlist in full via YouTube now.
Visit all the Wuigada stories, or check out: King Stingray, Lance O'Chin, Izy, Alice Skye, Radical Son, Black Rock Band, Allara, Emma Donovan, Marlene Cummins, Benny Walker, Stiff Gins, Ripple Effect Band, Waveney Yasso, Sue Ray, Troy Jungaji Brady, Dave Arden, Shellie Morris, Deline Briscoe, LJ Hill, Selwyn Burns, Roger Knox and Kutcha Edwards.
Artwork by Dixon Patten.
