The Baaka's Anthem: BARKAA and Uncle Leroy Johnson's Powerful Call to Country

In the heart of Barkindji Country, a powerful new anthem echoes across the land, resonating with the very heartbeat of the Murray-Darling Basin. "Ngamaka" (the Barkindji word for "mother"), the latest single from fierce hip-hop artist BARKAA, featuring her respected elder and uncle, Leroy Johnson, is more than just a song—it's a deeply personal tribute and an urgent rallying cry for the protection of the Baaka River.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold the world's oldest continuous musical traditions, where songs are not just melodies but vital carriers of cultural meaning, history, and profound connections to Country. This rich legacy continues to thrive and evolve, with contemporary artists like BARKAA blending ancient wisdom with modern sounds to address pressing issues.

A Song Born from the River's Pain

For Barkindji people, the Baaka River is their lifeblood, their mother. BARKAA shares, "Our river is our heartbeat as Barkindji people… Whenever the river is depleted, we feel down as people." "Ngamaka" vividly portrays the stark realities facing this sacred waterway, threatened by climate change, corporate exploitation, and unsustainable irrigation. BARKAA's raw lyrics cut to the core, expressing the anguish of environmental degradation: "Can't even fathom the way they mistreat her, leave her with nothing and suck dry our river."

Uncle Leroy Johnson's contribution is particularly poignant. His verses, sung in Barkindji language, convey the profound spiritual pain of witnessing environmental tragedy, like the devastating Menindee fish kills that affected his totem, the Bony Bream. He emphasizes the importance of sharing this message through music, especially alongside his niece, highlighting BARKAA's influential voice in bridging generations and traditions. The collaboration itself, weaving traditional language with contemporary hip-hop produced by Jaytee Hazard, is a testament to the enduring power and adaptability of Indigenous music.

Visuals that Speak to the Soul

The accompanying music video, directed by Kieran Mpetyane Satour and beautifully shot by Ryan Andrew Lee on Barkindji Country, offers a breathtaking and haunting visual narrative. Filmed at significant sites like Menindee Lakes, Steamers Point, Wilcannia, and Mutawintji National Park, the video allows the beauty and spiritual significance of the Baaka to speak for itself. BARKAA describes it as "one of the most monumental moments in my career," echoing Uncle Leroy's sentiments of a spiritual celebration of their homeland.

More Than Music: A Call to Action

"Ngamaka" is a powerful example of how Aboriginal artists are using their voices not only to create captivating art but also to advocate for critical social and environmental issues. It’s a song for everyone—a call to understand, appreciate, and actively protect the precious natural resources that sustain us all, just as the Baaka sustains the Barkindji people.

This collaboration between BARKAA and Uncle Leroy Johnson stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and deep cultural connection embedded in Indigenous Australian music, reminding us all of the profound stories that flow through our land and its people.

Explore More Aboriginal Voices

Beyond "Ngamaka," the landscape of Aboriginal music is rich and diverse. From the pioneering voices of Archie Roach and Harold Blair to contemporary stars like Jessica Mauboy, Baker Boy, Thelma Plum, Emily Wurramara, and Electric Fields, Indigenous artists continue to shape the Australian music scene with their unique perspectives, languages, and powerful storytelling. Their music spans genres from traditional to hip-hop, country, and electronic.