I always believe we find music at the right time in our lives. Miiesha could never have known how much the systemic racism of black people here and abroad would be in the spotlight when she planned to release her album Nyaaringu. It’s a beautiful serendipity that in doing so she released the album we need to hear right now.
Miiesha is a proud Pitjantjatjara/Torres Strait Islander woman from Woorabinda in Central Queensland. She called her album Nyaaringu because that means “what happened” in her traditional language. Her songs address so much of what has happened throughout history and her lifetime. It’s an album about racial and cultural identity, about community, and about truth.
“Caged Bird” is such a powerful introduction. The production is pared back, ensuring we can hear every lyric from Miiesha. Her modern voice is complemented so beautifully by the native dialect of her backup singers, their voices supporting hers in the quiet.
Interludes between the songs add other voices to the mix. We hear the wisdom of her late grandmother, the white privileged tone-deaf voice of former prime minister Tony Abbott. These voices create a more complete picture of the issues this album touches on.
Despite the album’s name, this is a really contemporary album. Miiesha’s voice sits over electronic beats. While we hear a little traditional language, most of the album is in English. That gives her music an accessibility, ensuring the message gets through.
You can certainly groove around the house to Miiesha’s music. She’s got a great sound, such a rich voice with a beautiful tone. But she’s also got an awful lot to say that we really should hear. Lines like “Survival ain’t that beautiful, I just make it look this good for you” from “Black Privilege” and “I could be the sum of more than just something that I could control” from “Hold Strong” will stay with me.
We’ve heard it so often over the last week or so, but it bears repeating: take the time to listen. If you’ve resolved to educate yourself on the issues and hear more black voices this week, Miiesha’s Nyaaringu is the perfect place to start.
Image used with permission from EMI Music Australia