Music duo Apakatjah (pronounced uppa–cut-ja) will be hitting the stage at next year’s Birak Festival which is a celebration of South West Noongar culture.
Undalup chairperson Iszaac Webb said birak was one of the six seasons on country which was recognised by the Noongar people.
Apakatjah is a duo consisting of Dion Forrester and Jonathan Lindsay-Tjapaltjarri Hermawan who weave together a reflection of their blended cultures.
Their musical influences range from Aboriginal desert reggae like Tjupi Band, old school metal like Iron Maiden and guitar master Tommy Emmanuel.
Apakatjah combines the cultures of Aboriginal Australia (Pintupi-Luritja, Pitjantjatjara, Pertame Central Arrernte, Alywarre, Kaytitj and Islander), as well as heritage from European, Indonesian, Irish, Welsh and Dutch migrants.
The word Apakatjah is a Luritja kriol word for a person of mixed race heritage, which the duo have reclaimed to demonstrate the pride they have in their identity and to draw strength from their culture.
Jonathan and Dion strive to be role models in their community. They teach music and language to children and are advocates for people to live healthy lifestyles. Both the musicians are also youth workers.
They challenge young people to dream big and hope to empower them to achieve their goals.
Recent performances from Apakatjah this year have included the Wide Open Space Festival in Alice Springs and the Tjungu Festival at Ulurur.
Apakatjah also performed at the NT Song of the Year Awards in Darwin and the BIGSOUND music industry conference in Brisbane.
The duo have previously supported Neil Murray, Archie Roach and The Basics, and also played at the Nannup Music Festival.
Being great advocates in supporting the Act-Belong-Commit message, the pair are really looking forward to exploring this part of the South West during their visit to the Region.
The festival will be held at Gloucester Park in Margaret River on Saturday, January 13.
This is a smoke and alcohol free event providing a range of cultural activities and entertainment for the community and visitors and people of all ages and abilities.
