Entertainment
22 March, 2026
‘Old man’ song up for top gong
KURANDA musician Djawarray has been named a finalist in the Queensland Music Awards for his song ‘Wulman Wulman’ in the world music category as part of his recently released album ‘Magayin’.
The artist, whose real name is Bertie Riley, blends culture, language and storytelling through music rooted in the traditions of the Djabugay people of Far North Queensland.
Djawarray said he was honoured to see the track recognised at a statewide level. Wulman means ‘old man’.
“I was really glad to be nominated. Wow, you know, it’s a blessing,” he said.
Bertie’s song passes on a traditional chant also recorded on the Magayin album and a story performed by his dance troupe, Mayi Wunba, about an initiated man travelling from the Savannah Country into the Djabugay Country, Kuranda.
“He was just passing through on a walkabout.”
Co-manager Tracy Rusch said the nomination was a proud moment for the artist and the community.
“It’s very significant. It’s a bit of an honour really to have an original song selected in a Queensland-wide competition. Bertie is very proud and very honoured,” she said.
Mrs Rusch said the track combined music with cultural storytelling.
“It’s a very cultural and dynamic song, mostly sung in the language first, and then the English translation comes later in the song,” she said.
Djawarray said sharing language and cultural stories through music was an important part of his work.
“These are the stories that have been handed down from the old people to me and now I’m passing it on and sharing it to the next generation coming through,” he said.
“Not only Indigenous people, but non-Indigenous people too, so they get a perspective on our culture and our stories.”
Djawarray, who is from Kuranda and Gimuy in Cairns and has connections to the Cassowary Coast and Western Yalungi region, continues to mentor younger musicians and lead the Mayi Wunba dance troupe in Kuranda.
Mrs Rusch said: “He’s quite well known and respected by other musicians in Cairns and he has strong support from the Indigenous community in Kuranda because his family is from there.” The artist is now focusing on upcoming performances and new music.
