A modern-day storyteller, Robert K. Champion moves audiences with his haunting guitar-led songs and compelling narrative tales of life, love and loss across the Australian landscape. Originally from the far west coast of South Australia, Robert is a Gubrun, Kokatha and Mirning man, now living, making and sharing music with us in Narrm (Melbourne).
In the Pitjantjatjara language of Central Australia, near Uluru, ‘Manta Milmilpa’ means ‘sacred ground’ or the land where the dead are buried. In this exclusive performance for YIRRAMBOI Festival, legendary singer-songwriter Robert K. Champion gives the past and present a voice, sharing sacred stories and songs from his homelands and Narrm (Melbourne). He sheds light on the nation’s truths, awakening the untold tales of injustices and violence against Blak peoples, and honouring their right to be heard, remembered and shared. Robert never fails to enthrall listeners with his warmth, poignancy and humour, even on confronting and sombre subjects, and this moving performance that connects on a fundamentally human level is no exception.
PROGRAM
Robert K. Champion
River Lullaby 00:26
Wandering Spirit 04:29
Little Baby Sisters 12:12
Elliston Massacre 15:40
Death by Police 22:55
This recording is supported by The Peggy and Leslie Cranbourne Foundation.