Kalyakoorl, ngalak warangka (Forever, we sing)

Ancient language, contemporary music, stunning vocals, poignant stories and guitar brilliance.

Noongar Singer Gina Williams and collaborator, guitarist Guy Ghouse have brought wondrous musical journeys to audiences across the world by connecting them deeply through the power of music.

As conduits of a fractured past, they have made it their mission to become agitators for a hopeful future, by rewriting the script through song. Because the only way to address intergenerational trauma is to bring healing and invite everyone back to the campfire.

Over many years, Noongar language has been reduced to a whisper; but in the same way the butterfly emerges from the cocoon, we are now witnessing a beautiful renaissance of language through song.

They are a multi-award-winning duo, but don’t let that fool you – they’d much rather allow their performances and the power of the music they create speak for itself.

Because even tho there are less than 400 speakers of Noongar language left, their work has always been about what connects us. You don’t need to understand the words; love, loss, joy all means the same things no matter how you say it.

Form and Style

90 minutes of powerful storytelling and beautiful music. Expect to laugh, to sing and to learn.

Form is very simple, Gina and Guy take audiences on a journey through the 4 principles of Koort (Heart), Moort (Family & Community), Boodja (Land & connection to country) and Koorlangka (Children and Legacy). Gina tells a story to connect audiences, shares key words and translations then they perform songs.

Community Engagement

We can offer singing workshops for community.

Reviews

“The true Koort (Heart) of the show was the poignant stories between songs, each told with charm and spirit. Inspirational moments about about overcoming early detractors and struggling with anxiety. Lighthearted yarns about the real essence of the Djidi-Djidi (Willie Wagtail). Then ultimately being strong enough to share her personal history as a child who is the product of the Stolen Generations and proving that with love and caring the cycle of inter-generational trauma can end.

“The healing power of language was on full display with two passionate and talented performers working in harmony. Williams and Ghouse teach us that our past informs our present, and the lessons we learn have the power to create history.” – Lincoln Russell, Out in Perth

“Gina is one of the most generous artists I know. Guy Ghouse’s beautiful guitar accompaniment, complex, yet not overpowering further embellishes the songs and makes for an enlightening experience.” – Archie Roach

“Songs in Noongar language transposed into English, and vice-versa (Moon River) show that Williams is a transcendent artist in any language, and her friend and collaborator Guy Ghouse’s generous, serene presence and fingerstyle acoustic guitar playing (often reminiscent of James Taylor, with the thumb taking the place of a pianists left hand) is a show in itself.” – David Zampatti

Available Marketing Collaterals

We can provide posters, photographs and media releases, as required. Gina is also available for interviews as required.

Credits

Gina and Guy have chalked up a number of career highlights, including:

• Recipient, Order of Australia Medal (AM), Queen’s Birthday Honours (Gina)
• Co-writers, Koolbardi wer Wardong (Magpie and Crow), commissioned by the West Australian Opera
• Pre-match entertainment – 2021 AFL Grand final (with John Butler, the Waifs and Stella Donnelly)
• Authors, Kalyakoorl, ngalak warangka (Forever, we sing), published by Magabala Books (2021)
• Winner, Best Guitarist, 2020 West Australian Music Industry (WAMi) Awards (Guy)
• Artists of the Year, 2020 Port Fairy Folk Festival
• Winner, Indigenous Act of the Year, 2018 West Australian Music Industry (WAMi) Awards
• Inductee (Gina), 2018 West Australian Women’s Hall of Fame
• Indigenous Headline Act, 2018 National Folk Festival (ACT)
• Performing Artist, 2018 Port Fairy Folk Festival (Vic)
• Performing Artist, 2018 Blue Mountains Music Festival (NSW)
• Performing Artist, 2018 Yackandandah Folk Festival (Vic)
• Winner (Gina), Aboriginal category, 2017 West Australian of the Year Awards
• Representative, Australian Delegation, 2016 Festival of Pacific Arts (Guam – Gina)
• Winner, Indigenous Act of the Year, 2004, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 West Australian Music Industry (WAMi) Awards