"80-Year-Old Blues Prodigy Tops Australia's Music Scene, Bests Nick Cave"

# 80-Year-Old Blues Guitarist, Kankawa Nagarra, Wins Australia’s Top Music Prize

Kankawa Nagarra, an 80-year-old Walmatjarri elder, has recently claimed Australia’s foremost music award – the $50,000 Australian Music Prize (AMP) – for her debut album *Wirlmarni*. This win is a victory over established music acts such as Amyl and the Sniffers, Nick Cave, and the Dirty Three. The AMP, now in its 20th year, focuses on “entirely on artistic merit” and aims to provide financial rewards and increased exposure to Australian musicians believed to have released the best album of the year.

## Indigenous Sounds and Visions

Nagarra, who is also known as Olive Knight and is referred to as “the Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu Delta,” expressed her thrill and pride in winning the award. She mentioned that the album “has been thousands of years in the making” and incorporates sounds from the nature and people of Wangkatjungka, a large Indigenous community in northern Western Australia.

## A Voice for Change

“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,” she continued. “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.”

Nagarra’s win is a significant achievement, given her experiences as part of Australia’s Stolen Generations – having been taken from her parents and sent to a mission where she first discovered gospel music.

## An Unconventional Journey

While working on homesteads, she immersed herself in country music and rock which were popular on radio at the time. However, she fell completely in love with the blues when she first heard it played by a busker.

## International Tours and Collaborations

Nagarra sings in both Kriol and English and has performed her works around the world, including touring with Hugh Jackman for his *Back on Broadway* show. She has shared her gratitude for musician Darren Hanlon, who recorded and produced *Wirlmarni*, underscoring the importance of music as a responsibility that connects with nature, culture, and holistic well-being.

## Diverse Nominees

In addition to the innovative artistry showcased in *Wirlmarni*, the shortlist for the award included albums such as Amyl and the Sniffer’s *Cartoon Darkness*, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ *Wild God*, the Dirty Three’s *Love Changes Everything*, and works from other remarkable artists.

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