25 Nov 2024
On Thursday, 14 November, UHS welcomed some special guests into our school. "Ripple Effect"; an all-female rock band from Maningrida in Arnhem Land, NT and "Lemonise" a rock band comprised of students from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. The bands are currently on an East Coast tour to promote "Ripple Effect's" new album "Mayawa". "Ripple Effect" continue the tradition of saltwater rock from the top end, whilst breaking new ground as the first women from their country to play instruments and form their own band. The women sing in the languages of their people: Ndjebbana, Burarra, Na-kara and Kune to share stories about their land, languages and culture.
The "Ripple Effect Band" began in 2017, touring Arnhem Land festivals Bak'Bididi Gattjirrk, Barunga, Garma, Nannup, Mona Foma, Darwin Festival, WOMADelaide and East Arnhem Live (supporting "Regurgitator"). They have been featured on the ABC, Rolling Stone Australia, AMRAP, Triple J Unearthed and various Spotify playlists. They were finalists for the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards and most recently, drummer, Jolene Lawrence has been honoured as a finalist for the APRA Professional Development Awards. "Lemonise" front man Jake Magi is an UHS alumni and a proud GuriNgai man. He has been lucky enough to spend time with "Ripple Effect" in Maningrida and sees the women as mentors for his own song writing process. The band are also preparing new songs for release and look forward to fostering the connection they have with "Ripple Effect" in the years to come.
UHS First Nations didge group "Miribi Bunbal" performed for our visitors and were met with applause and respect for sharing their musical story with the group. The students had the opportunity to ask questions about music, language, culture and country and gained invaluable insights into life in Maningrida and the power of music to teach, connect and inspire.