Celebrating NAIDOC Week with Song: Music & Tea at WAG

Echoes of Deadly Harmony: 50 Years of Song

Echoes of Deadly Harmony: 50 Years of Song is a First Nations–led NAIDOC Week celebration presented by the Mudjingaal Yangamba and Nicole Smede. The program places Aboriginal language, song, and ceremony at the centre of honouring 50 years of cultural strength and creative expression.

The event will open with a Welcome to Country by a local cultural custodian, followed by a didgeridoo performance. The inclusion of both male and female cultural leaders is intentional, reflecting balance, respect, and shared cultural authority.

The Mudjingaal Yangamba will perform songs in language, with printed lyrics and English translations provided to support meaningful audience engagement. Public performance of language is a powerful act of cultural revitalisation, strengthening pride, identity, and intergenerational knowledge transmission. Nicole Smede will perform original solo works in language and lead rehearsals and artistic direction, ensuring cultural integrity and strong community participation.

Importantly, this event creates a shared cultural space that brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences together during NAIDOC Week. By providing translations and cultural context, the program invites non-Indigenous attendees to learn, listen, and celebrate alongside community. This strengthens cross-cultural understanding, fosters respect, and supports reconciliation in action.

This NAIDOC Week Activity is delivered with funding support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency.