The Desert Stars Pay Tribute to Australia’s Reconciliation Week with “Ngura Nyangatja”
In a tribute to Reconciliation Week, The Desert Stars, dubbed as the “most remote” rock band in Australia and “most likely (in) the world,” has released their latest music video, “Ngura Nyangatja,” today, Friday, at 12 noon AEST. Directed by Tristan Pemberton and led by frontman Jay Minning, the anthem celebrates the pride that ties Australia’s First Nation Countries together.
“Ngura Nyangatja,” which translates to “Our Home” in Pitjantjatjara language, embodies the essence of Aboriginal identity and connection to land. The song’s genesis traces back to Minning’s contemplative moments atop a sandhill near Tjuntjuntjara, where he reflected on the significance of every community in the desert and the bond between Indigenous peoples and their ancestral lands.
“To an Aboriginal person, anywhere you go, whether it is Wyndham, Cape York, or Sydney, this song says that where you are at that time is Aboriginal land,” Minning explains.
The Desert Stars, comprised of lead guitarist Derek Coleman, bassist Justin Currie, drummer Ashley Franks, and lead singer/songwriter Jay Minning, hail from Tjuntjuntjara in Australia’s Great Victoria Desert. As proud members of the Spinifex people, who are regarded as one of Australia’s last truly nomadic Indigenous peoples, the band infuses their music with over 2,000 years of generational knowledge and cultural heritage.
Their newest music video release serves as a prelude to a series of live performances scheduled in New South Wales and Queensland over the weekend. The band’s commitment to cultural preservation and storytelling through music has garnered them acclaim, with sold-out shows across Australia and participation in key events such as the Perth Festival and the St. Kilda Film Festival.
Beyond their musical endeavours, The Desert Stars are also the subject of a documentary film, “Gravel Road,” directed by Tristan Pemberton, chronicling their inaugural road tour across the Australian outback. The film documents the band’s story as they trek the rugged terrain and share their oral histories with audiences far and wide. Receiving numerous recognition, it has been included in several local and global festivals including those in Italy, South Africa, and United States.
The Desert Stars 2023-24 tour is supported by the Shire of Menzies in Western Australia, the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries of Western Australia, the Australian Government, and IGO.
(Photo credit: The Desert Stars, Spinifex Country, Tjuntjuntjara, WA)
Music Lyrics
“Ngura Nyangatja” – English language translation
I was sitting on a sand dune one afternoon /And I was thinking all across the desert lands / That we are happy living in this place
In this place here / In this place here
This place is our country / This place is Aboriginal land
And my thoughts went wandering / To all the other communities across the desert lands / That we are all happy living in these places
In this place here / In this place here
In this place here / In this place here
This place is our country / This place is Aboriginal land
And we must keep hold of our land / And hold it strongly
In this place here / In this place here
In this place here / In this place here
This place is our country / This place is Aboriginal land
Weekend Gig Schedule
- Tamworth (Friday, 31 May)
- Lismore (Saturday, 1 June)
- Brisbane (Sunday, 2 June)
- Gold Coast (Monday, 3 June)
Useful Contacts and Links
- For more details about the events and this announcement, email thedesertstarsband@gmail.com.
- For interviews, contact Flywire Films via tristan@flywirefilms.com or +61 418 204 591.
- Watch The Desert Stars’ “Ngura Nyangatja” YouTube video.
- Visit The Desert Stars’ website for news, events, merch, and other details.
- Follow The Desert Stars on social media
- Instagram – @thedesertstarsband
- Facebook – @thedesertstarsband
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