Walmatjarri elder and blues artist Kankawa Nagarra was awarded the Soundmerch Australian Music Prize last night for her debut album Wirlmarni, taking home her first major music award at the age of 80.
The prize, aimed at financially rewarding and increasing the exposure of Australian musicians, is based “entirely on artistic merit” and is considered the most prestigious music award in Australia.
Nagarra, also known as Olive Knight, is a member of the stolen generations who bought her first guitar at the age of 40. She had been exposed to gospel music after being set to a mission when she was taken from her parents, she later came to learn about country music, rock and later again the blues.
She described making music as a “responsibility”,
“Caring for nature is a responsibility, and protecting culture is a responsibility for its holistic wellbeing. All these things are connected, and I make it my life’s work.”
Nagarra is a blues and gospel singer-songwriter, as well as a teacher, mentor, human rights advocate and political activist. She has worked tirelessly to support research on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, as well as to raise awareness about alcohol abuse.
Nagarra said the win was “thousands of years in the making”, given it includes sounds of nature and people from her remote Aboriginal community, Wangkatjungka, in Western Australia.
“Coming from the remote community of Wangkatjungka which in the past has been shown in a negative light with the focus on the issues and problems. People don’t often get to see the beautiful and positive aspects of my home and I know this award brings much pride to the people of Wangkatjungka, especially to the school and all the children who I hope to be a role model for.
“I dedicate this award to all my little Greats with a special mention to Tykrira Wilson who stands with me on the cover of the album. I love them all very much. They are my future ancestors.”
Nagarra’s album was chosen from nine finalists, which the judges described as all great and diverse, including releases from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Amyl and the Sniffers and Grace Cummings.
There were 600 eligible albums in contention for the award based on the selection period of the 12 months to October 2024.
Launched in 2005, the prize is considered one of the most prestigious in Australia and includes artist, radio announcers, critics, music directors and industry representatives.