Singers of Indigenous music
MADJITIL MOORNA
APRIL 2008
With growing awareness of the gap in opportunity between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, members of Zig Zag Community Arts Inc in 2006 began a project which has become Madjitil Moorna – Magical Bush Sounds.
This all-ages community choir sings indigenous music, led by award-winning indigenous musicians Della Rae Morrison and Jessie Lloyd. Singing both traditional songs in language and contemporary songs of love, loss and joy, the group has been winning over audiences since their first performance in 2006.
‘Their spirited performance was outstanding and a credit to the musical directors…’ His Excellency, Dr Ken Michael AC, October 2007
There is a great deal of interest in the choir because of its potential as a catalyst for positive health outcomes and reconciliation. Over 50 singers of all ages and racial backgrounds sing weekly to maintain and improve personal health and wellbeing.
As one of the indigenous singers put it: ‘Singing with Madjitil Moorna has made my spirit soar and my heart sing and my body tingle when the vibrations of our music and singing is in perfect harmony – I am alive in every cell.’
While many of the singers feel this choir gives them a chance to do something wonderful for themselves they believe that by singing they can contribute to positive change for indigenous people and for our society as a whole. We believe it is a powerful vehicle for reconciliation. Another indigenous member wrote, ‘….the choir has the ability to move so many people and spread the message of reconciliation far more effectively than any other method.’
Where to from here?
Madjitil Moorna is changing and growing in ways that we did not dream of. Now into its third year, we still have the wonderful leadership of Della Rae and Jessie, while their own musical careers are taking off. Our songs are well known amongst performers in the burgeoning indigenous music scene in Perth, so we are confident of leadership into the future.
It was a precious moment for all of us but in particular the indigenous singers whose pride in their culture was affirmed and strengthened.
Madjitil Moorna is driven in part by performance invitations. Just a few days before our final performance in 2007, the choir was seen by an Aboriginal elder from the Kimberley – a woman who is very involved with others in trying to address the issues that beset her town and the surrounding communities. It is her hope that Madjitil Moorna might be able to come up to the Kimberley and teach families songs of hope and love and reconciliation. This wish has become one of our goals. There is a lot of work to do to make it happen but we are confident of people’s support and we’re inspired!
We meet on Mondays 7pm – 8.30pm
Anderson Road Community Centre, Forrestfield, WA 6058. All ages and voices welcome.
For more info contact Jo Randell 0409-116-460 or email pjrandell AT bigpond.com
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