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The Jingili Song Project, a ground-breaking collaboration between Indigenous singer-songwriter Stuart Joel Nuggett and country rockers David Garnham & the Reasons to Live, embarks on its first- ever national tour this April to raise awareness for the endangered Jingulu language.Their mission is not just to get toes tapping, but to help bring attention to the severely endangered language of Jingulu, which is spoken by less than ten people.
The national tour kicks off in Darwin, with stops in Melbourne, regional Victoria, NSW, and concludes in Canberra. Stuart Joel Nuggett is a Jingili man from Kulumindini (Elliott), in the Northern Territory, now based in Mpartnwe/Alice Springs. Blending folk tunes and toe tappers to outlaw country, Stuart sings in both English and the endangered language of his people. Producing this tour is Northern Territory Touring multi-arts touring agency, Artback NT, whose Performing Arts Manager, Evan Saunders says this interstate tour has been great to work with the ever-hard-working David Garnham in coordinating the schedule, and along with DG’s razor-sharp band the Reasons to Live, the spotlight will be firmly lit on one of the NT’s most authentic Country singing artists Stuart Joel Nuggett.
Under the banner of the Jingili Song Project, Stuart also runs workshops, teaching and writing songs in language, and will be delivering some language workshops while on tour at Cresfest in Victoria, and the National Folk Festival in Canberra.
Stuart says he is passionate about the plight of his people and their language and hopes that through his songs he can connect with audiences from all walks of life.
“Language is everything for Aboriginal people,” said Stuart. “It’s our identity, it’s who we are and if the younger generation lose this language...it’s all gone.” David Garnham & the Reasons to Live look like truckers but sing like angels. Part larrikin, part broken bird, part bleeding heart, Garnham himself is awash with contradictions. His songs trail close behind in a mix of hope and hopelessness.
“The Jingili Song Project is all about conserving and promoting and creating new works in the Jingulu language. We’re rapt to be taking to the road to spread the word beyond the Top End.” –
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1 Capper St, Tumut, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2720, 1-5 Capper St, Tumut NSW 2720, Australia,Tumut, New South Wales, Wee Jasper
