The Wilcannia Mob facts for kids

The Wilcannia Mob, also known as the Barkandji Boys, was a hip-hop music group from Wilcannia, a town in New South Wales, Australia. This group had five young Indigenous Australians as members: Buddy Blair, Keith Dutton, Wally Ebsworth, Colin "Colroy" Johnson, and Lendal King. They started making music in 2001 when they were between 9 and 14 years old.

Their first song, "Down River," was released in 2002. It became very popular on the national youth radio station, Triple J. The song even reached number 51 on the Triple J Hottest 100 list for that year. In 2003, "Down River" won a special award called a Deadly award for Single Release of the Year.

The Wilcannia Mob's Journey

The Barkandji Boys group was formed in 2001 by five young Indigenous Australians from Wilcannia. These members were Buddy Blair, Keith Dutton, Wally Ebsworth, Colin "Colroy" Johnson, and Lendal King. They were between nine and fourteen years old at the time.

The group was later renamed The Wilcannia Mob. This happened after they were discovered by Morganics, a rap and hip-hop artist from Sydney. Morganics met them during music and theatre workshops for children in Wilcannia in October 2001.

"Down River" and Its Impact

In 2002, the group released their song "Down River." This song won a Deadly award for Single Release of the Year in 2003. A didgeridoo, a traditional Aboriginal instrument, is featured in the song. Colin Johnson made this didgeridoo from a gum tree branch.

"Down River" was also included on a CD called All You Mob. This CD featured more songs by The Wilcannia Mob and music from other groups in outback communities. The Wilcannia Mob performed live for the first time at Sydney's Homebake Festival in December 2002.

Lendal King's mother, Kerry, explained how important the song was. She said "Down River" gave a positive image of Wilcannia. She added that the simple things they sang about showed their way of life. It was about living in a remote area in a peaceful way. She mentioned that it was about using what was available, like the river, and being part of their life.

Later Years

The Sri Lankan-British artist M.I.A. included the boys singing "Down River" in her song "Mango Pickle Down River." This song was on her 2007 album, Kala.

In July 2008, Lendal King, who was 15 years old then, spoke to a newspaper. He said he was the only member still living in Wilcannia. He hoped to move to Sydney and become a musician. The newspaper also reported what the other members were doing. Keith Dutton was working as a builder and gardener. Wally Ebsworth was studying art. Buddy Blair was in Adelaide, hoping for a solo music career. Colin Johnson, who was once small, was now tall and finishing school.