Kankawa Nagarra’s Blues on Country, guitarist Sean Shibe in studio, and remembering Quincy Jones

The Music Show

In Wangkatjunka, near Fitzroy Crossing in the Kimberley, Walmatjarri Elder Kankawa Nagarra plays her guitar and sings the blues. Her latest album, Wirlmarni, was recorded in the desert with her great grandchildren at her feet, insects buzzing and the sound of kangaroo tails being wrapped in alfoil for the fire.

Kankawa speaks to Andrew Ford about a life of music, from her earliest memories of traditional song and ceremony and then singing hymns in church after being removed from her family. Kankawa then discovered country and western and rock & roll on the radio while working on homesteads before finally hearing the blues, music that spoke to her soul.

Kankawa got her first guitar in her 40s and taught herself to play the blues. Now in her late 70s, her songs speak of her life story, her community, and the fight to protect the land from threats like fracking.

Scottish guitarist Sean Shibe was last on The Music Show from his locked-down home in 2021. Since then he’s toured with orchestras and eclectic ensembles across the world, and he’s about to make his Australian debut with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He joins Andrew in studio with his guitar to talk about picking out his own path with the instrument.

And we remember the legendary Quincy Jones, who has died at the age of 91.

Kankawa Nagarra’s Wirlmarni is out now via Flippin Yeah and Mississippi Records

Kankawa is performing shows in Lismore on the 14th November, Brisbane on the 15th and Gympie on 16th, and is then joining Darren Hanlon on some dates of his Christmas tour. More details here

Sean Shibe performs Scotland Unbound with the Australian Chamber Orchestra until 20 November

Sean gives the Australian premiere of Thomas Ades Forgotten Dances on 15 November in Sydney