Nabarlek (band) facts for kids

Nabarlek is an amazing Indigenous Roots band from a tiny place called Manmoyi in Arnhem Land, Australia. This area is about 215 kilometres from another community called Gunbalanya. The band started way back in 1985.

They began as a group of singers and dancers. They used a couple of old guitars and even flour tins for drums! The band members are Bininj people. This is the name for the Indigenous people of West Arnhem Land. They sing in their traditional Kunwinjku language and also in English. They do this to share their culture with more people. Their music mixes traditional Kunwinjku songs with rock and reggae styles. They like to call themselves "the garage band that never had a garage."

Awesome Performances

Nabarlek has played with many famous musicians and groups. They have performed with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra and the popular band Yothu Yindi. They also supported the legendary band Midnight Oil.

Nabarlek even played with Silverchair and Powderfinger on their big Across the Great Divide national tour. They have been part of many music festivals. These include several Darwin Festivals, the Adelaide Festival in 2000, and Womadelaide. They also played at the Port Fairy and Brunswick Music Festivals in 2001. A really cool moment was when they performed for six weeks at the International World Expo in Hanover, Germany in 2000.

Music and Awards

Nabarlek has released several albums. Their album Bininj Manborlh was nominated for a big award in 2002. It was for the ARIA Award for Best World Music Album. The ARIA Music Awards celebrate the best music in Australia.

They also received nominations for the Deadlys in 2001, 2002, and 2007. The Deadlys were awards that celebrated Indigenous Australian music, sport, entertainment, and community.

National Indigenous Music Awards

Nabarlek has won many awards at the National Indigenous Music Awards. These awards celebrate the best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians in Australia.

• In 2004, Nabarlek won for "Excellence in Music Industry Training."
• In 2005, they were named "Band of the Year."
• In 2006, their DVD Nabarlek on Tour won "Best DVD Release."
• In 2007, they had a huge year! Their album Manmoyi Radio won "Album of the Year" and "Artwork & Design of the Year." Their song "Bushfire" won the "People's Choice - Song for Country" award. And their music video "Brownbird" won "DVD/Film Clip of the Year."

There is also a special DVD about the band. It is called From outstation to out there. Nabarlek a music industry case study. It was created by Gillian Harrison.

Discography

Nabarlek has released several albums over the years:

• Munwurrk (1998)
• Bininj Manborlh (2001)
• Nabarlek Live (2003)
• Nabarlek Radio (2007)
• Manmoyi Radio (2010)