BARKAA and Uncle Leroy Johnson’s 'Ngamaka': The Anthem for the Baaka
With fierce purpose and the pulse of the Baaka running deep in her veins, BARKAA delivers her latest single “Ngamaka,” a deeply personal tribute and powerful rallying cry dedicated to the Murray-Darling Basin.
“Ngamaka”—the Barkindji word meaning “mother”—is more than just a track. It is a potent blend of ancestral rhythms, sharp lyricism, and contemporary hip-hop production crafted by Jaytee Hazard, featuring BARKAA’s uncle and respected Barkindji elder, Uncle Leroy Johnson. This collaboration weaves traditional language with modern resistance, forming a compelling call to action to protect the Baaka River.
For BARKAA, this river isn’t merely water; it’s lifeblood. “The river is our heartbeat as Barkindji people,” she shares. “Our river is our mother; our water is our heartbeat. Whenever the river is depleted, we feel down as people.”
The urgency of the track is rooted in the stark realities facing the Baaka, threatened by climate change, corporate exploitation, and unsustainable irrigation practices. BARKAA’s raw lyrics cut straight to the heart of the issue: “Can’t even fathom the way they mistreat her, leave her with nothing and suck dry our river.”
For Uncle Leroy Johnson, the devastation is profoundly personal and spiritual. He expresses the pain of environmental tragedy through his totem, the Bony Bream, devastated during the Menindee fish kills. Johnson wrote from the perspective of his ancestors, encapsulating the deep grief and loss in the song. He emphasizes the importance of conveying this message through music, especially alongside his niece, highlighting BARKAA’s influential voice: “Using our mother’s language was the only way I could properly portray the sadness of what is happening to our river.”
Accompanying the release is a striking music video directed by Kieran Mpetyane Satour, beautifully shot by cinematographer Ryan Andrew Lee on Barkindji Country. The video captures the breathtaking and haunting spirit of the Baaka, allowing its beauty and significance to speak powerfully for itself.
“Shooting the music video on Country was so beautiful and special,” BARKAA reflects. “It was one of the most monumental moments in my career.” Johnson echoes these sentiments, describing the visuals as a spiritual celebration of their homeland, hoping it will inspire viewers to appreciate and protect it.
The release of “Ngamaka” marks another milestone in a phenomenal year for BARKAA, who continues to blaze trails following her critically acclaimed EP, Big Tidda, and unforgettable performances at events like Vivid Sydney and the AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
As always, BARKAA’s music transcends entertainment – it’s storytelling, activism, and ancestral connection, firmly rooted in cultural pride and advocacy for environmental justice. She says, “It’s important for me to be a storyteller and pass down stories and songlines through music. It’s something we as Blakfullas have done for many generations.”
“Ngamaka” is available now via Bad Apples Music/UMA.
