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JUNGAJI
debut solo album
‘BETTING ON BLAK’
out June 13
+ Single & Tour Dates
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Photo – Aaron West
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JUNGAJI in the press
“The song’s empowering lyrics are enriched by a stirring piano line that introduces ‘Kalkurr’ with Topology’s Christa Powell adding elegant strings, the emotion already overflowing as Dean’s mesmerising vocals hypnotise, Jungaji harmonising beautifully with his son, their Gugu Yalanji language deepening the song’s soaring mood, proving again music is the universal language.” – SCENESTR, AUS
“Gummy Bamarra” is more than just a song; it’s an exquisite legacy that transforms personal pain into a universal message of hope and resilience. This track is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates music that touches the soul and connects us to something greater.” – THE LITTLE GARDEN, UK
“Jungaji’s warm, expressive voice brings authenticity to this message, making the song feel like a heartfelt conversation with a close friend about the true essence of love. “Adore” opens with beautiful, earthy melodies that evoke a sense of connection to both land and spirit, grounding the song in Jungaji’s First Nations heritage. The rhythmic, percussive beats pulse like a heartbeat, setting a soulful tempo that feels alive and invigorating. This foundation allows Jungaji’s vocals to shine with an infectious energy, inviting listeners to sway along and embrace the song’s celebratory spirit. It’s a track that pulses with warmth and sincerity, effortlessly blending traditional sounds with contemporary influences to create a soundscape that feels both timeless and fresh.” – HIT HARMONY HAVEN
“Jungaji’s Adore is a captivating interplay of sound and sentiment, a sonic exploration of love’s intricate and philosophical nature. Opening with a lush fusion of strings and ethereal bell tones, the song immediately sets a contemplative mood, inviting us into a reflective space where music becomes a mirror for emotional truths. The atmospheric vocals, imbued with tenderness and raw introspection, evoke a sense of vulnerability as Jungaji muses on love, matrimony, and the deeper currents of connection.” – KIMU
“River Girl” by Jungaji is not just a song; it’s a heartfelt celebration of love, companionship, and the profound beauty of nature. From the moment the music begins, Jungaji’s deep appreciation for harmonies and storytelling takes center stage, guiding listeners on a captivating journey that builds to an exhilarating crescendo of soulful rock’n’roll. – MUSIKEPOOL, UK
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“Jungaji infuses the richness of his First Nations heritage and life experience into lush, vibrant rock & sound soundscapes.” – LOST IN THE MANOR, UK
“I’m betting on faith, I’m betting on trust, I’m betting on love, I’m betting on us” – Jungaji ‘Betting On Blak’
Queensland Music Award winner Jungaji releases his debut solo album ‘Betting On Blak’ on Friday 13 June, with tour dates announced in Brisbane, Sunshine & Gold Coasts, and FNQ (more tour dates coming soon). Vinyl albums, CDs and merch are available via Bandcamp, and at the shows.
Legendary ex-ABC/Triple J announcer Costa Zouliou has reviewed an advance copy of the album, saying “The bottom line is, it’s a great record, and I’m happy to put it on my turntable. Good music is good music in whatever genre it comes in. And this is just that – good music.” Costa will launch his new podcast series soon, beginning with an in-depth interview with Jungaji.
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The title track “Betting On Blak”, which comes with an Official Music Video directed by James Latter, is a rollicking rock/soul song about having faith in yourself.
Jungaji said, “Having faith and the eye on the prize, and that is the person in the mirror. It’s about betting on yourself rather than letting other people dictate what the road looks like for you, and it has taken me 30 years to back myself. When you find yourself out in the never never land, in the scrub, you can’t rely on anyone else to come and save you – that’s when the inner consciousness and the instinct within tells you that its either fight or flight.
Coming through two strokes, two heart attacks and open-heart surgery, and so many other contributing factors that ripped my heart and my soul literally out of my chest and out of my body, and to still be standing here… it’s a reflection of one’s self-worth, of what it is to appreciate and love life. With life comes hardship but also comes with beautiful elements, and when you stand within those beautiful landscapes that is something to really appreciate, and to celebrate with those that are dear to you. Betting On Blak is about betting on myself in every fabric and fibre of what Jungaji is about… leaving it all onstage, leaving it all within a conversation, leaving it all on a canvas, and not taking those that are around your life for granted. You find that when you invest those sentiments, things can be much brighter, rather colourful and successful. Betting On Blak is about betting on you – not anyone else – only you can change your outcomes.”
The ‘Betting On Blak’ album also contains the singles Jungaji has released over the past 18 months, along with unreleased tracks ‘Sun Moon Stars’, ‘Misson Streets’, and a dance-remix of previous single ‘Adore’ by Candy Suite with Bekki Whitton. Previously released singles include ‘River Girl’, ‘Wakka Wakka Woman’, ‘Pilbara Man’ and his QMA award-winning Gugu Yalanji language song ‘Gummy Bamarra’, which has clocked up over 250k streams on Spotify.
Jungaji is a Western Gugu Yalanji & Birrigubba songman whose music journey spans more than 30 years, from the 90s R&B of his Inala vocal group Aim 4 More, to a profound cultural rebirth inspiring his solo career. Now named “Jungaji” (meaning rock, strength, and knowledge – pronounced Jun-gah-jee), he shares his contemporary cultural stories through his music, visual art, theatre and advocacy, inspiring resilience and empowerment.
Jungaji isn’t just an urban Aboriginal singer – he’s a transmitter of ancient knowledge through a contemporary lens, and the world is hungry for this kind of authentic voice.
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‘BETTING ON BLAK’
Album Track List:
Renaissance Rambler
Gummy Bamarra *Gugu Yalanji language
Mission Streets
Betting On Blak
Adore
River Girl
Kalkurr Feat. Dean Brady *Gugu Yalanji language
Wakka Wakka Woman
Ol’ Rooster
Sun Moon Stars
Pilbara Man
Adore (Candy Suite Remix)
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TOUR DATES
FRIDAY 13 JUNE – POWERHOUSE, BRISBANE
6.30pm, All Ages. with Toni Janke & Rudy Matoy
TICKETS / FACEBOOK EVENT
SATURDAY 14 JUNE – THE PRESYNCT, SUNSHINE COAST
6.30pm, 18+. with Chocolate Strings, Andrea Kirwin & Rudy Matoy
TICKETS / FACEBOOK EVENT
SUNDAY 15 JUNE – MO’S DESERT CLUBHOUSE, GOLD COAST
4.00pm, All Ages. with Chocolate Strings, Jamie-Lee Dimes & Rudy Matoy
TICKETS / FACEBOOK EVENT
9-12 OCTOBER – SAVANNAH IN THE ROUND, FNQ
with Zac Brown Band (USA), Jackson Dean (USA), Kasey Chambers, James Reyne, Baby Animals, Rose Tattoo & more HERE
This project is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO), and the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
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Follow JUNGAJI
Website – Instagram – Facebook
Tik Tok – YouTube
JUNGAJI Art Shop HERE
Jungaji & band – Live at Princess Theatre , April 2024 . Photo by Greg Dodge
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AMNPLIFY – DB
My nickname is “The Amnplifier”. Why? Because around here my focus is on being a conduit for providing greater outcomes that people come here for. My day to day “work” is living in the moment, and I love helping others concentrate on finding their connection to themselves through their experiences.
Why start a music environment? The truth is I love music, I love writing, and I love life. I work with musicians every day, and I feel certain that I will be until they put me in the ground. I have been managing people in businesses of some sort for over thirty five years so along the way I have developed some “wisdom” from my regular and constant “observations”.
Amnplify your experience. That is what we want you to do here, and if you want to let me know why you do, or don’t, shoot me a message on Facebook.
Hope you enjoy yourself here and find something that hits you somewhere.