Bringing Language to Life Through Song
Buga Yanu Junba (Songs for Young Children) is a joyful collection of 22 songs in Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Walmajarri, Kimberley Kriol and English. Created through a partnership between Tura, the Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre and their early childhood and family centre, Baya Gawiy, the project has been years in the making – and well worth the wait.
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 living strength of the Bunuba, Gooniyandi and Walmajarri peoples of the central Kimberley.
From the joyful Thurranda Gurranda, welcoming the return of the brolgas each hot season, to The Right-Size Galwanyi, which teaches respect for sawfish and sustainability for future generations, through to the moving story of Bunuba resistance leader Jandamarra, these songs are far more than catchy tunes – they’re lessons in culture, history and caring for Country.
The album is accompanied by a beautifully illustrated songbook, published by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, complete with lyrics, chords, translations, and even karaoke tracks – making it perfect for classrooms, community groups or family singalongs at home.
Local voices are at the heart of the project:
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“I’m very proud to see the vision 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.
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Walmajarri educator Maria Marmingee Hand added: “I hope the songs in this songbook will help keep our Kimberley languages strong, and give strong pilyurr (spirit, essence) to all children everywhere.”
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Educator 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.”
To celebrate the release, a Roadshow Tour rolled out across communities including Bayulu, Joy Springs, Wangkatjungka, Ngalangkadji, Noonkanbah, Yungngora and Kulkarriya School.
More than 'just an album' – it’s a celebration of Kimberley languages, culture and community spirit, shared through the voices of children and the wisdom of Elders.
Listen to the album here
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Stream the album with animated artwork at tura.com.au
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Find it on Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify and iTunes – with all royalties going directly back to the community.
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Pre-order the songbook through the Indigenous Literacy Foundation or at your favourite bookshop.