Wungunja Warriors - 'On The Shoulders' (Trangie NSW)

Desert Pea Media are very proud to announce the release of a collaborative music/ film production with Wiradjuri young people and community members from Trangie and Narromine in Western NSW.

This production was created in June 2023 - an outcome of a unique, collaborative creative process between Desert Pea Media artists, local Wiradjuri Elders, community members, knowledge holders, staff from local community services and an incredibly talented group of young people.

The project came about through a partnership between Desert Pea Media and Narromine Community Skills Project Inc - supported by Trangie Central School and Trangie LALC. Funded by NSW Government - Department of Regional Youth.

This compelling project, crafted by the Wungunja Warriors and DPM Creative Team, marks a significant achievement in storytelling, cultural preservation, and artistic expression for the Wiradjuri community in Trangie, NSW.

The project encapsulates the voices, stories, and visions of the Wiradjuri young people, as they navigate the intricate tapestry of their heritage and contemporary existence. Guided by the artistic vision of Desert Pea Media, the Wungunja Warriors have seamlessly woven together narratives, visuals, and sounds that speak to the heart of Wiradjuri culture, and celebrate the strength, resilience, and cultural pride of Wiradjuri Young People.

Special thanks to the Wiradjuri mob of Western NSW for having us on country.

CREDITS

Roy Weiland - Film Director/Lead Facilitator/Co-Writer/Co-Producer/DOP/Editor/Graphics
Josh Nicholas - Project Lead/Music Producer/Co-Writer/Co-Facilitator
Scott Large - General Manager/Co-Producer/Photographer/Graphic Design
Juman Al-Ramahi - Co-Facilitator/Co-Writer/Singer/Songwriter
Ross Turley - DOP/Co-Facilitator
Nathaniel Sherwood - Audio Mixing/Mastering

Lyrics

Yaama, we in Trangie yo
Here to break the stereo types
it ain't no black and white
Elders had to fight for our rights

Now I hold my people and my culture tight
Taking all these opportunities my futures bright
Listening to yarns by the fire light,
`Where!` by the fire light

Hey bra, doin sis, goin to the waterhole
One big mob from the young and the old
We sing songs of the Wai wan, Wondibong
In the Nation of Wiradgjuri (Straight in to next para)

We got so much soul
Lets go, thats how we roll
black and white feet we stroll
Time for us to take control – Time for us to take control.

Yeah standing on the shoulder of our ancestors
They gave us so much opportunity and honour
Will you listen so that we can share our knowledge
Lets open hearts and we can all embrace each other

We got our totems
Waagen, Googa, Garru, Budhara, Wangga Wanngga
(Cow goanna magpie possum pugeon)
We got our knowledge
Yindyamarra, Yalbilinya, wudhagarbinya, gandaywarra (Respect, Learn, Listen, grow)
This is our country
Wambuul, billabong, Gin Gin, Dandaloo
(river, waterhole)
Ngurambang, Respect and connection
(Country)
We the Trangie mob our elders reflection

V2
Ive got three lines of ochre on my skin
Distance, boundaries, respect from within
We be doin fire dance
Dillybag, Maliyan, Wagandaa and Dinniwaan

No dog tags no more – wirray
No shame no more - wirray
We're hearing our call - wirray
Respecting our lore - wirray

(same as first flow)
Together as one, this is how we move
Never walking back like the emu or Ru
Wunganja, this is how we do
Who are you – Yeah we welcome you too!

Kicking back being black, super rare artefact
banging like clap stick, we light it black magic
Biame the spirit it guides us- we live it – connected- we did it – connected we living

Outro
Mandaag
Guwu