THE MAYALI (knowledge) PROJECT
PROJECT OUTLINE
Desert Pea Media is proud to present ‘THE MAYALI PROJECT’ - a powerful song and documentary release in collaboration with the community of Kakadu, NT. The Gateway to Arnhem Land. is The debut single ‘Mayali’ from The Mayali Project, by Kakadu Collective & Victor Rostron was released through DPM Records, April 9, 2021. Co-Directed by Wurrban (clan group) songman and artist, Victor Rostron, and DPM Creative Director Toby Finlayson, this fusion hip hop / traditional / dub reggae song features one of the ancient songlines of the Mimih Dreaming.
“I grew up in the bush, I feel a lot of connection with me and country. It’s a really spiritual thing. When I see country, I can read country. All the names. Plants, animals, bush side and water side. One big thing I’m looking at now is, myself, I won’t be here too long as a man, but my remains will be there thousands and thousands of years. I will be there with my old people and spirits. My bones will lay there forever on my country. I will become part of my country and my spirit will be looking at all the new generation coming up.”
– Victor Rostron (feature artist & lead member of Wildfire Munwurrk Band from NT)
PROCESS
In a time of social transformation & uncertainty, young people and cultural knowledge holders from the Kakadu region in the NT are speaking up strongly about country & culture. The recent closure of the infamous Ranger Uranium Mine and consequent handover of local town Jabiru’s administration to local organisations has triggered a tumultuous time. Young people and families are impacted due to changes in economic stability and employment opportunities as the community’s future is redefined.
'The Mayali Project' is a positive creative response to these emerging community issues and features the release of the song 'Mayali' alongside a Short Film 'Breaking of The Chains', out April 16th, 2021, which explores the story in further depth. The project evolved through a partnership between Desert Pea Media & local Aboriginal Health Service Red Lily Health. The vision was to create conversation around wellbeing & identity and to celebrate the importance of an unbroken connection to community, country & cultural knowledge - or ‘Mayali’.
“It is important our people have a say in their health, it is just as important that when people come into our communities and Homelands too work that they learn and feel our story. We are not looking for Superman or Superwoman to save us we want people who will walk the journey with us.” – Patricia Miller (Red Lily Health)
"Honoured to be introducing the world the The Malayi Project on Home and Hosed. This exploration of genres and song lines flows so magically like smoke across the sunset. Desert Pea Media thanks for showing us the incredible talent in Jabiru. And Kakadu Collective, thanks for teaching us the importance of your unbroken connection to country and culture through 'Mayali' "
- Triple J’s Home ’N Hosed Presenter Bridie Tanner.
Media Outcomes:
