Indigenous electronic collective Tongberang'i Ngarrga Inc are showcasing the incredible First Nations producer and DJ talent at Abbots Yard.
On July 9, Abbots Yard will team up with electronic music collective Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc. to host a sonic celebration of contemporary Aboriginal identity and Country with their NAIDOC Week Dance Party.
It’s an all-Indigenous lineup of fourteen artists and performers showcasing contemporary creative expressions of Aboriginal culture. Supported by triple j, RRR and Kiss FM, the founders of Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc. are fast becoming known nationwide for their sold-out community events and unique brand of Aboriginal techno.
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Joining the collective for the occasion on a newly introduced second stage is proud Yuggera woman and Boiler Room DJ Dameeeela and friends. Dameeeela boasts a live resume that includes supporting Skepta, Tyler, the Creator, Charli XCX, and Genesis Owusu, including appearances at Boiler Room, Splendour In The Grass, Falls Festival, Listen Out, Laneway, Pitch Music & Arts, and more.
Over nine jam-packed hours, Aboriginal techno, electronic production, visual art, dance, storytelling, and comedy will permeate the outdoor oasis that is Abbots Yard, supporting revellers to connect to Country through the open-air surrounds.
“Aboriginal songlines are the arteries that carry life to every part of this Country, connecting knowledge, understanding and energy,” Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc. co-founder and proud Gunditjmara man Samuel Nolan said. “For thousands of years, we have sung and danced these songlines to keep them, and therefore us, alive. Today, many songlines are fragile. They have been stomped on, blocked, covered over, and dug up. But they still exist, their patient pulse waiting for us to revive them.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate Aboriginal culture, history and achievements and connect with the oldest continuing living culture on earth. This year’s theme reminds us all to keep supporting systemic change at all levels to improve outcomes for mob.”
Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc. say that this year’s NAIDOC Week Dance Party will facilitate an inclusive, safe and culturally appropriate environment for individuals from all walks of life to learn about indigenous culture through art and performance.
Full Lineup
Stage 1: Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc. Stage
- Brothers: Inspired by dreaming stories and Lores of Aboriginal cultures, Brothers combine recordings of the natural world and Elders’ stories with electronic productions to create contemporary expressions of Aboriginal culture.
- Chunky: Chunky is one of the three brother boys behind Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc, and is passionate about the practice of connecting to culture through dance music, and bringing the whole community along for the journey – one dance floor at a time.
- Carmel0: Carmel0 weaves together eclectic sounds from the past, present & future into an essential dose of music medicine delivered directly to the soul.
- Fosters: Fosters is a proud Narrunga man who creates music inspired by his lived experience as an Indigenous Australian — fighting for his culture to be recognized and educating and advocating through music, dancing and storytelling.
- Fred Leone (live graffiti): Fred Leone is an interdisciplinary award-winning First Nations artist whose work spans 20 years. His visual art stems from his love of graffiti into a vehicle to tell the narrative of his family’s dreaming.
- Harley James: Harley James is renowned around Melbourne for his signature minimal and deep afro sound. He has appeared across many revered events on the festival circuit including Rainbow Serpent, Earthcore, Babylon, Yumaanda, and the annual Merri Creek Gathering.
- Uncle Larry Walsh: Uncle Larry Walsh is a Taungurung Elder and Kulin storyteller. He is a much-loved performer at Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc’s community events and gatherings.
- Shiralee Hood: Shiralee Hood is a black queen of comedy who needs no introduction. She’s known for rocking audiences all around Australia with her hard, edgy, and downright hilarious performances.
- Slidah: The name Slidah references the slippery eel, the traditional staple food of the southwest Gunditjmara/Djap Wurrung area where she was born. Slidah’s sets cover a broad spectrum of upbeat electronic dance music.
- DJ Kiti: An eclectic selector and renowned stage presence, Melbourne’s Techno Queen DJ Kiti will bring her brand of dark, old-school electro, techno and house to the Yard, harking back to the times of illicit warehouse parties and glow-in-the-dark wristbands.
- Chris Hume: Chris Hume is a Yorta Yorta and Bunurong man who is a Cultural Well-being Support Worker and Cultural Educator. Chris has spent the last 25-plus years understanding fire and how to use it to care for Country.
- Dhungala Dancers: formed in 2020 by Yorta Yorta, Gunai, Gundtijmara woman Alice Young, Dhungala Dancers share stories from their connection to Country while honouring the strength, resilience and determination of their ancestors to bring positive changes for their family and future generations.
- Yarra: Yarra is a slinger of all things minimal house, bringing forth dubby, groovy and hypnotic beats to the ears of Melbourne club-goers. Yarra has established her unique sound in the heart of the underground scene in Melbourne, and her aim is simple – to make people dance.
- Ben Moodie: Ben Moodie is a first nations comedian turning racism into comedy gold. He’s a Melbourne International Comedy Festival Deadly Funny finalist and alumni and a regular performer at community events including Blak Stage.
Stage 2: DJ Social Club Presents: Dameeeela
Dameeeela: Raised in Tulmur/Ipswich and now based in Meanjin/Brisbane, Dameeeela has steadily amassed a following and reputation as one of the city’s most in-demand selectors. Her sets burst with electric passion and are rife with experimentation, combined with ongoing reminders of club music’s origins in Black culture.
Dameeeela will be joined by local legends Black Tiger , InBetween, Barajas & Artheesh.
Tongberang’i Ngarrga Inc. NAIDOC Week Dance Party is taking place on Saturday, July 9, 2022 from 1 pm-10 pm. Tickets are $15 and available via Humanitix here.
