BANDS PLAYING AT BARUNGA 2010

Zennith

From the deep scrub of Bulwai Country in Kuranda, Far North Queensland, emerges the new future of Australian roots and Indigenous music. Zennith has already made a massive musical impact locally and overseas. The last 12 months has seen the band tour Vanuatu, execute an acclaimed performance at the QSong Awards, and secure two Deadly Award nominations. A melting pot of musical flavours that spans two generations of the Brim family, Zennith is made up of Willie Brim, who plays alongside his sons Astro and Aden, as well as close friends of the band, Isaac and Lindsay. The result is a collaborative effort of extreme musical chemistry. The Zennith boys are passionate about their cultural heritage and are committed to sharing that heritage with audiences all over the world. It is this passion that is aptly demonstrated in their music, lyrics and live performances.

Garrangali
With the recent release of the band’s eponymous album, Garrangali, hailing from Yidaki in North East Arnhem Land, has been creating a buzz throughout Indigenous music circles with a soulful brand of homegrown reggae and roots music. Garrangali produce a saltwater reggae style that has become synonymous with Arnhem Land. The 12 members of the band have built upon traditional and world recognised musical heritage and created a contemporary sound weaved with yidaki, clap sticks and singing which is uniquely characteristic of Yolngu music.

Reggae Dave

Reggae Dave’s first musical experiences as a child were the gospel groups of the well-known Torres Strait Islander railway gangs his father worked with as they moved around laying tracks across the Top End from the east to the west coasts. Playing all over the NT and Australia throughout the 80’s and 90’s and with two albums to his name, Reggae Dave has supported many major acts in his playing career, from Paul Kelly, Kate Ceberano and Christine Anu to international acts such as the Bhundu Boys and Lucky Dube. Over the years, Reggae Dave has also made a huge contribution to the skills development of young musician throughout the NT.

Fitzroy Xpress
With over 25 years of performing experience, Fitzroy Xpress has earned the title of "Indigenous Australia's favourite country rock outfit." Having endured the hard slog that accompanies long distance touring in order to take their music out to the people, the boys from the bush have developed a solid following amongst generations of loyal fans throughout Western Australia and across state borders. To keep with the times the band still travels regularly but they never lose touch with who they are and where they come from. For this reason, Fitzroy Xpress will always be based in their home town of Fitzroy Crossing. Playing songs from their Deadly Award winning album 'Home Sweet Home', they are set to rock the roof off the main stage at the Barunga Festival this year. 

Crazy Boys
Hailing from Maningrida, the Crazy Boys star has been on the rise since the boys took home the NT Indigenous Music Awards 'Best School Award' in 2007. Last year's NT Muisc Awards saw the band nominated for Best Emerging Act and this year they're planning on continuing their stellar run by performing their fresh style of Reggae-Rock at festivals across the Top End.

Spring Water Band
Spring Water is a 7 piece rock reggae band from Barunga. A fravorite amongst local audiences, Springwater has performed to packed crowds at the last seven Barunga Festivals and has cemented their repution as one of the best local bands in the Top End. Last year the band performed with members of the Black Arm Band in Manyallaluk and are looking forward to recording their first album in the near future.