Djaambi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Djaambi
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| Origin | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Genres | Rock |
| Years active | 1989–1995 |
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Djaambi was an Australian rock band that started in 1989. They were known for mixing rock music with Indigenous Australian culture. The band had both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal members. The name Djaambi means "brother" in an Aboriginal language. They released one album and even toured with the famous musician Prince!
Contents
Discovering Djaambi: An Australian Rock Band
The Band's Beginning
Djaambi was formed in 1989 by Richard Frankland. He was the lead singer and played the saxophone. The band was unique because it included both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal musicians. When they first started, Djaambi had ten members. Sometimes, they even had up to 15 performers on stage! This made their live shows very exciting.
Music and Milestones
In 1990, Djaambi released their first and only album, which was also called Djaambi. This album helped them share their music with more people. A big moment for the band was in 1992 when they got to support the legendary musician Prince on his tour in Australia. This was a huge opportunity for Djaambi to perform for large crowds.
The Djaambi Documentary
Djaambi was featured in a documentary film called Beating About the Bush. This film was released in 1993. It followed the band as they traveled through different parts of Australia. The documentary showed their journey from Alice Springs through Aboriginal communities all the way to Darwin. Richard Frankland, who was also a filmmaker, made sure Djaambi's music was part of three of his own films.
Members and Their Journeys
Djaambi had many talented musicians over the years. Peter Rotumah played the bass guitar and later joined another group called the Black Arm Band.
Three female singers from Djaambi — Amy Saunders, Sally Dastey, and Lou Bennett — left the band in 1991. They went on to form their own folk band called Tiddas. Lou Bennett remembered that Djaambi's size could change a lot. She said it could be anywhere from 10 to 15 members, depending on who was there with a didgeridoo or ready to dance! Amy Saunders, Sally Dastey, and Lou Bennett also became members of the Black Arm Band later on.
Other members of Djaambi included:
- Peter Pascotto (drums)
- Peter Camm (guitar)
- Dean Hilson (saxophone)
- Eugene Ball (trumpet)
- Alison Walker (vocals)
- Julia Messenger (vocals)
- Sonny Cooper (didgeridoo, dancer)
- Paul Wright (didgeridoo, dancer)
- Francis Cleary (audio and production)
