KRISTAL WEST

Eddie Mabo’s Granddaughter

Releases New Single For Mabo Day

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“Remembering Ata” – a granddaughter’s tribute to Eddie Mabo. Nibe Nibe is the first offering in a collection of songs to be released by Kristal West celebrating the life and achievements of Eddie Mabo in this the 25th anniversary year of the High Court native title ruling.
 
A Meriam Mer-speaking, Murray Island woman of the Piadram Clan, Kristal carries with her the determination of her grandfather, indigenous land rights pioneer Eddie Mabo. The 26-year-old singer says her drive is an unmistakable family trait. 
 
Nibe Nibe, was written by Torres Strait Island singer-songwriter King Kadu as a dedication to Eddie Mabo. Recorded in collaboration with the Hummingbird Collective, a group of first nations women under the musical direction of Ruth Ghee, who notes “Nibe Nibe highlights the importance of the reviving, maintaining, preserving and sharing languages and culture through music and story-telling with ‘one voice’ and was a fitting collaboration as most of the Collective also have family connections to Mer”.  It is a song that is sung by many of the Torres Strait Island communities and a fitting first release off Kristal’s upcoming EP, “Remembering Ata”. 

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“This project is important to me because it tells a story of my grandfather’s legacy and acknowledges a historic land rights decision made 25 years ago. My grandfather has inspired me my whole life.  He has influenced me by empowering me to believe anything is possible.  I am determined, motivated and resilient because of him. This tribute is not only important to me, but to my family.  It reminds us of who we are, where we come from and of my grandfather, who I call Ata”.

Kristal West found a national audience in 2014, after becoming a Grand Finalist on ‘The Voice’.  As part of the duo ZK, Kristal was mentored by Will.i.am. who stated, “ZK are the most unique and authentic singers left on The Voice. There is something unique, something ancient in the way they sing”.  The highest ARIA charting contestants from the third series of The Voice, Kristal followed on from that with a stint on the stage, performing with Short Black Opera Company and also La Boite on their season of Street Car Named Desire.

Embarking on a solo career, Kristal has spent the last 6 months working on this project to honour her grandfather, her greatest inspiration.

“I felt a strong desire to get back to my cultural roots and to find my ‘real’ voice, a voice that is rooted in family, history and culture.  After seeking counsel from my grandmother, Bonita Mabo, I felt a deep pull to tell the story of my grandfather and our family and felt that was the best starting point”.

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AMNPLIFY – DB