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Sing Your Own Song is the debut LP from Andrew Gurruwiwi Band of Yirrkala, North-East Arnhem Land. Led by Andrew Gurruwiwi - also a popular Yolngu Radio broadcaster - the eight-piece ensemble has spent years perfecting their energetic funk music. Written in Yolngu Matha, the album showcases their Yolŋu roots while embracing a world of influences, from African rhythms and Jamaican reggae to Indian melodies, Mexican beats, blues, rock, and flamenco.

Opening song 'Wata Mäwi' draws its name from a Gälpu songline, and blends reggae grooves with soulful elements. Lyrics sing of the West Wind, which begins its journey on the islands of Minjilang and Warruwi before travelling to the mainland, giving names to sacred places of the Gälpu and Birritjama Clans.

'Yaa Djamarrkuḻi’ is already a crowd favourite from live shows. The band's philosophy is all in the refrain: "Go ŋanapu marryuna djinaŋu manikay’yu! (Come one and all, be joyful and dance to the music!)"

Sing Your Own Song builds on Andrew Gurruwiwi Band's growing reputation from performances at major festivals like SXSW Sydney, VIVID, Golden Plains, and Parrtjima. It also presents their expanding sound, with contributions from instrumentalist Julian Bel-Bachir, West African guitarist Moussa Diakite, and the horn section of Kiwi-dub fusionists Subtribe.

For the chance to win a copy of this week's Album Of The Week, Triple R subscribers can enter here before Sunday 14 July 2024. We have a prize policy of 1 album per subscriber per month so we can share the love and make it fair for all!