Ripple Effect Band – Mayawa South-East Tour 2024
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Artback NT, in association with Bush Music Fund and Always Live proudly presents:
RIPPLE EFFECT BAND ‘MAYAWA’ South-East Tour!
Following in the footsteps of Maningrida greats like ‘Letter Stick Band’, Ripple Effect are forging their own path as the first all-female saltwater rock band from their community to blaze both bush touring circuits and now national stages. They are truly a force of nature.
They sing in the languages of their people, Ndjébbana, Burarra, Na-kara and Kune and they have a story to tell about their land, their languages and their culture.
“YOU DON’T NEED TO UNDERSTAND EITHER THE ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE KUNE OR ENGLISH TO FEEL THE EMOTION OF THE SONG.”
— ROLLING STONE.
Garnering widespread acclaim for their work and kickstarting their career with many tours, this is the first official tour that Artback NT have produced for the band outside of the NT.
Along side this tour, Ripple Effect Band announce the release of their new album, ‘Mayawa’.
Mayawa is more than just a collection of songs, it is a celebration of Ripple Effect Band’s stories as mothers, daughters and sisters, sung in the languages of their people. Each track resonates with the echoes of traditional ceremonies, capturing the raw beauty of their heritage and the dynamic pulse of their present. On this record, Ripple Effect Band invite listeners on a journey through time and space, where every note and lyric is a bridge connecting past and future generations.
This ethos shines through tracks, “Na-Kalamandjarda” and “Na-meyarra”, two songs which are a celebration of Country sung in the critically endangered Na-Kara language. “Cyclone” is a stirring atmospheric recount of 2006’s category 5 Cyclone Monica. Although the storm was heading straight for Maningrida, people saw the local Djómi ancestral spirits swim out and face up to the wind. The cyclone turned to the west at the last minute and crossed the coast into an uninhabited area, saving hundreds of lives. The song features songwriter Rachel Thomas’ mother, Lena Djábbiba, singing the song of these spirits – making “Cyclone” the first ever recording of this Dhukurrdji story and song.
On the track, Rachel Thomas reflects: “I’m deeply proud of this community, especially the Dhukurrdji, the traditional landowners, and my mum, who is a djungay [caretaker of the spirits]. This song was created with them in mind. As people recall Cyclone Monica, some in our community may feel sadness and think about the Djómi spirits.”
“Loving and Caring” deepens the pulse of the album with a heartfelt tribute to band member Tara Rostron’s late sister, told through heartfelt Kune and English lyrics. With a powerful message promoting open discussions on mental health and inspiring resilience, songwriter Tara Rostron compares this emotional journey to the seasonal cycles of yekke (dry season) and kudjewk (wet season), symbolising how experiences with depression can transform into renewal and growth, much like how the environment rejuvenates after rain.
Closing with a live recording of “People from Maningrida”, capturing the joy and spirit of their community, Mayawa is a reflection of Ripple Effect Band’s journey, celebrating their unwavering commitment to heritage and authenticity. Over years of immersive production and profound intercultural collaboration, they have not merely created an album—they have woven a living tapestry of their collective experiences and ancestral stories.
Album co-producer Jodie Kell says: “Our debut album is finally here. It has taken years because we wanted to get the creative process right. Working across languages and cultures, we composed the songs on Country with elders and community input. Tara and I produced with an unhurried dialogue about what we, as women, wanted to achieve. We hope you enjoy the expression of our journey”
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