Blekbala Mujik facts for kids

Blekbala Mujik (which means Black People's Music in Kriol) is an Australian band. They play a mix of rock and reggae music. The group started in Barunga, Northern Territory in 1986. They are known for their lively live shows and recordings. The band sings in both English and Kriol. Kriol is a special language that mixes English with Aboriginal languages. In 1996, their album Blekbala Mujik was nominated for a Best Indigenous Release award.

Discovering Blekbala Mujik

How the Band Started

Blekbala Mujik formed in 1986. They came from the community of Barunga (also called Gulin-Gulin). This area is in central Arnhem Land, Australia. The band's main member is Peter Miller. He sings and plays guitar. He lives in Alice Springs.

What Their Name Means

The band's name, Blekbala Mujik, comes from the Kriol language. It means "blackfella music." Kriol is a unique language. It combines words from English and Aboriginal languages.

Their Musical Journey

The group signed with Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA). In 1990, they released two albums. These were called Nitmiluk and Midnait Mujik. Later, in 1993, they put out a seven-song cassette called Come-N-Dance.

Their album, Blekbala Mujik, came out in May 1996. It was released through CAAMA and Shock Records. A music expert, Ian McFarlane, described their sound. He said it was "a mix of catchy Aboriginal pop, reggae, techno-tribal dance material and bright funky rock." This album was nominated for a Best Indigenous Release award in September 1996.

The band has had several talented members. These include Dwayne Billy and Jason Fuller on clapsticks. Johnny Blanasi plays lead guitar. Lachlan Gela Lawrence plays bass and sings. Allen Murphy plays drums. Lazarus Murray plays the didjeridoo (also called yidaki). In June 1997, they released a song called "Walking Together." Their album We Are One came out in February 2013. A live album, Greatest Hits Live, followed in September 2014.

Meet the Band Members

Here are the current members of Blekbala Mujik:

• Peter Miller – guitar, vocals
• Lazarus Murray (a.k.a. Gulindirriy) – didgeridoo, vocals
• Lachlan Lawrence – bass guitar, vocals
• Johnny Blanasi – lead guitar
• Michael Havir – keyboards, accordion
• Dwayne Billy – clapsticks
• Jason Fuller – clapsticks, vocals, dancing
• Allen Murphy – drums, vocals
• Sammy Bush – lead vocals
• Ngarritj Ducky – clapsticks

Their Albums

This is a list of albums released by Blekbala Mujik.

Awards and Recognition

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are a big event in Australia. They celebrate the best in Australian music each year. They started in 1987.

Deadly Awards

The Deadly Awards were a special event. They celebrated the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This included music, sports, and community work. The awards ran from 1996 to 2013.