True veterans of Aboriginal music, BLEKBALA MUJIK were formed in 1986 and have built a loyal following with their dynamic mix of traditional and original songs. Following the belief that music is all about exploration, Blekbala Mujik are not afraid to cross musical boundaries. As a result, their style is a unique fusion of rock, dance, and ambient music, using traditional Top End instruments and sounds to punctuate frontman Apaak’s outstanding lyrics and give their songs a world music edge.

Singing in Top End Kriol and English, Blekbala Mujik carry a message of reconciliation and cultural unity.  They have remained firmly based on their traditional country, Gulin Gulin, in central Arnhem Land, Australia while touring Australia and beyond.

Front person and writer Peter Miller sings in Kriol language, a pan Aboriginal dialect of the top end. This he says is so all people can understand the songs and take them into their hearts and minds. Peter is a very highly respected speaker for his people and serves on many regional bodies.

BAND MEMBERS
Apaak Miller (Apaak Jupurrula) - Lead Voxs/Guitar
Lachlan Lawrence (Banyarn Gela) - Bass
Lazarus (Gulindirriy) Murray Yidaki (Didgeridu) - Support Voxs
Shang Dharmina Miller  - Lead Guitar

RECENT GIGS
Blekbala Mujik has toured extensively throughout Australia and Europe.

THE MEDIA SAYS……….

BRUCE ELDER, SYDNEY MORNING HERALD ” this CD is the most artistically successful and commercial recording released by CAAMA. Blekbala Mujik have sophistication, diversity and innovation which pushes them beyond the. usual recipes with interesting and successful mixtures of synth washes, traditional singing, raw vocals, sharp riffs and dabs of reggae…some songs with no observable mainstream antecedents”

MICHAEL SMITH DRUM MEDIA a gentle warm earthiness in the music, a mix of dance, pop and traditional that is persuasive in its buoyant optimistic message ”

KATHY McCABE, SYDNEY TELEGRAPH ” Legendary band Blekbala left 6000 screaming fans demanding six encores    singer songwriter Peter Miller pushes the boundaries of musical fusion…Blekbala Mujik are in tune with the times”

BEAT MAGAZINE CD OF THE WEEK another indigenous Australian group
has risen to challenge the old white rock tradition    we feel like we are under the
stars with them, dancing with painted faces…musically dynamic, unique, highly danceable music which reflects their exciting live performances”

KOORI MAIL ‘Blekbala Mujik has been appointed by their Elders to implement aspects of their culture in their live performances… their song Walking Together’ captures the reconciliation message for all Australians”

COURIER MAIL ALISON MASON with 25,000 diehard fans in the Northern Territory urban Australia is just catching on and the rest of the world is in their sights”.

RADIO has also responded well with LAWRENCE BOSWELL of THE BIG BACKYARD this is a brilliant record….we will playlist Mimi and One More Story as well as run a special on the band in February for national broadcast on the MMM Network .
Also on the east coast interviews and airplay/play listing on TRIPLE J, 2 BBB, 2 NCR, BAY FM, 2 SER, NATIONAL DEADLY SOUNDS, KOORI RADIO, Saturday morning feature on ABC RADIO NATIONAL, 4AAA, 4ZZZ and more.

TELEVISION has programmed some Blekbala Mujik during news programs covering Survival and ABC Four Corners program will use Blekbala Mujik singing ‘Rise Up’ during story on Keating this week.

TOUR presented by Triple J will continue with dates for Melbourne confirmed around Easter and offers for the band to perform in Austria (confirmed) Switzerland and Indonesia. A return gig in Sydney will be confirmed for March 22 as the band return from Austria.

USE OF MUSIC
ABC has been using Blekbala Mujik as sound bed material for various news stories, i.e., Speaking Out and Review. Australian for Reconciliation has licensed the material for use in a media campaign and University of Sydney will use material on a CD Rom production.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Bill Davis
Music Manager
PH: (08) 89519730/0407 527 706
FX: (08) 89519 717
Email: b.davis@caama.com.au

Liz McAdam
Office Manager
PH: (08) 89519 743
FX: (08) 89519717
Email: l.mcadam@caama.com.au