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Tjupi Band

Origin: Papunya, Northern Territory, Australia
Genre/styles: Reggae, Roots

“Tjupi” means honey ant. The band sings in Luritja and English.

Tjupi Band has been described as epitomising Central Australia desert reggae—sparse, upbeat, driving kick and snare, in-language; the songs are about loneliness for country, love lost, listening to elders, following tradition, social issues, skin pride and tribal unity [1].

Band members: Barnabus Daniels (Lead Singer), Jason Butcher (Guitar), Malcom Karpa (Rhythm Guitar / Backing Vocals), Jeremiah Butcher (Keyboards), Lesley Pearce (Keyboards), Dwayne Abbott (Backing Singer), Desmond Inkamala (Drums), Ethan Macdonald (Bass Guitar / Backing Vocals).

Discography

Kuunyi (Poor Thing)

Released 2004
Tracks
  1. Petola Wanti (Leave Petola Alone)
  2. Nyuntu Ngayunya Payinu (You Told Me To Leave)
  3. Tjupi Music
  4. Wilurrarakutu (Towards West)
  5. Ngayulu Nyinanyi (I Was Sitting Alone)
  6. Youngubela Kutju (One Young Fella)
  7. Kunkangkuni Wanikatingu (My Girl Left Me)
  8. Wati Palangku Kulila (Listen Carefully)
  9. Anangu Luritjiku (For The Luritja People)
  10. Ngurra-Nganampa (Our Homeland)
  11. Wati-Kutju (One Man)
  12. Wajilpa-Wajilpa (Sad, Feeling Lonely)
  13. Ngayulu Nyangu (I've Seen It All)
  14. Jamunya-Kapalinya (Grandfather And Grandmother)

Kutju Ngarala (Standing Alone)

Tjupi Band - Kutju Ngarala (Standing Alone)
Released 2008
Tracks
  1. Irtitja Tjutaya Nyinapayi
  2. Wiima Paluru
  3. Amunturungu
  4. Yangabala Kutju Ananyi
  5. Kutju Nagarala
  6. Wati Kutjungku
  7. Watjalarinyi
  8. Standing by the tree
  9. Ngura Walytja
  10. Wantirra
  11. Putu Kulini
  12. Wati Kutjunya
  13. Dancing in the moonlight
  14. Ngura Watirra Ngalyanu

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[1] 'NT tour beckons for Papunya band', Koori Mail 503 p.59

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