Archive | Community

My Island Home Project

It’s been a huge week up on Thursday Island for the My Island Home Project.  21 emerging artists from throughout the Torres Strait converged on Thursday Island for a week of mentoring in songwriting and recording with mentors Neil Murray, Mau Power, Mike Justice and Ben Hense.  The Project takes it ‘s name from the original song that Neil Murray wrote back in the 80’s when he was with the Warumpi Band.  My Island Home as you know has had a number of covers done, one of the latest being that of Patrick Mau or Mau Power with his organic hip hop beats which celebrates his connection to culture and community. Together with the Meridian Nights team of Mike Justice and Ben Hense, the artists developed their skills to write and record a song for the My Island Home Project album.

Due to launch in late September, the My Island Home Project CD will showcase the talent within the region and celebrate a sense of belonging to our Island communities and the seas of the Torres Straits.  Find out more by going to the My Island Home Facebook page where you can hear some of the songs from the artists as well as view  beautiful photos from the week.

My Island Home Project

Don’t think my feet have really touched the ground yet, what a week, just amazing the talent of the Torres Straits!!  I was blown away from the dedication and focus of the mentors, participants and how the whole week transpired.  So very proud.

Early Sunday afternoon we got thrown a major curve ball but quickly resorted to Plan B and C.  Got to think quick when working remotely and in community. We remained on track despite this and got to work getting to know the participants and establishing a baseline and structure for each artist for the week ahead.  Mura Kosker was just brilliant for that grounding and support without question.  Big shout out to our sisters on the Rock for holding ground and giving us an anchor.  My sincere and truest love to you all.

As the week went on, we got down to business, writing, connecting and developing our expression for our culture and place.  The artists were incredible and before long, everyone was collaborating and value adding to each others material.  Before long it was Friday and we were gearing up for our FREE Community Concert at Port Kennedy Hall.  With over 300 people showing their support, the night ran smoothly with the showcase of talent and creativity of the week that was.  At the close, a steady shower of rain appeared from nowhere.  It was the ancestors giving their blessing and letting us know that they were with us and supporting us.  Yagar!!  Goosebumps.

Early the next morning, Neil Murray and Patrick Mau – Maupower, boarded a small plan to drop off some of the Outer Island mob and flew on to Mer, birthplace and resting place of the great man himself – Koiki Mabo.  Native Title was born in the Torres Strait and paved the way for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since.  Seemed fitting to finish off the week this way.

Now busy developing the post production side of things, graphics for the CD, fine tuning the songs and getting final approval from the artists.  We aim to launch the CD on Thursday Island late September and aspire to have the My Island Home Project songs heard throughout mainland Australia.  I’m so inspired by the team I worked with and what we together created.  With the support of the Traditional Owners, Elders like Aunty Cessa Nakata (Mills Sisters) and Uncle Seaman Dan, coupled with the emerging talent and next generation, the sounds of music, culture and language is in good hands.  Congratulations to the 20 My Island Home Project artists.  Strong, proud and deadly