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In some Australian states and territories it is customary to begin public ceremonies with words to show respect for Aboriginal rights, such as: "I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present."
January 26 is Australia Day in the land down under. On January 26, 1788, the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove and started the process of colonizing the continent. For many Australians it is a day of celebration but many others call it Invasion Day. Here at the Down Under Hour we mark the day with music made by modern First Nations Australians, from reggae to rock.
The Australian national anthem, Advance Australia Fair.
Change Is Coming - Emma Donovan, from her 2024 album Til My Song Is Done, which was named Best Independent Blues and Roots Album at the 2025 Australian Independent Records awards.
Waru (Fire) - Warumpi Band, waru is translated as fire, from their first album, Big Name No Blankets, a 1985 release.
Timeless Land Yothu Yindi - it was on their 1993 album, Freedom. The band's website describes their music as having "sounds stretching from tribal Yolngu beats and vocals to contemporary electronica and thumping rock ‘n’ roll," adding that "a political heart is beating throughout it all."
Lookin' Out - King Stingray, from their album For The Dreams, a 2024 release. Lead singer Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu is the nephew of Mandawuy Yunupingu, and guitarist Roy Kellaway is the son of Stuart Kellaway, who were both founding members of Yothu Yindi.
Waiting Game - Bumpy, the stage name of singer Amy Dowd. The song was on her 2023 EP Morning Sun. She's from the Noongar people of Western Australia.
Crest of Gold - Lady Lash, who describes herself as a hip-hop and jazz artist. It was on her 2021 album Spiritual Misfit. Lady Lash, aka Crystal Mastrosavas, is of Greek ancestry and from the Kokatha people of South Australia.
In Control - Baker Boy, a 2019 single. Danzal Baker is from the Yolngu people of Australia's Northern Territory.
The stolen generation
Mrs Edwards - Kutcha Edwards, a song about his experiences as a member of the stolen generation, from his 2021 album Circling Time.
Before that, Black Boy - Coloured Stone, a 1984 single and it was on their 1985 album Koonibba Rock.
Down City Streets - Archie Roach, the title track of his 1990 debut album, produced by Paul Kelly and Steve Connolly.
Country country
Royal Telephone - Jimmy Little, a 1963 single. Jimmy Little had been recording since the mid-1950s, but Royal Telephone established him as a popular music star. It was the first recording by an Indigenous Australian to achieve mainstream chart success, reaching no.1 on the Sydney charts and no.10 nationally.
Come Home Tonight - Dan Sultan, from his 2010 album Get Out While You Can.
Australia, land of contrasts
Rainmaker - Southeast Desert Metal, from their 2018 album Break the Silence. The band is from an Aboriginal community in central Australia and call themselves the most isolated metal band in the world.
Marwurrumburr - Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, with a song from his 2008 debut solo album titled simply Gurrumul. He was a member of Yothu Yindi.
Dom Mariani and the Majestic Kelp start us off, move us along, and tell us when we're done.
