Raki

Raki meaning ‘bush string/law’ (the things that bring us together) is a cycle of songs performed by Daniel Wilfred, a Yolŋu man and song keeper from Ngukurr. Rarely heard outside of its cultural context, the songs sung in Wagiläk language that Daniel learned as a small boy are uniquely tied to Country - a 40,000+ year-old oral tradition that crosses vast time and space. Performed with Paul Grabowsky and Peter Knight, this special show marks the opening night of Progress Festival.

As the founding and subsequent Artistic Directors of the Australian Art Orchestra over a combined span of almost 30 years, Paul Grabowsky and Peter Knight have consistently cultivated groundbreaking relationships, leading to profound musical and cultural expression that has continued to diversify and define the voice of this nation. One such connection held dear and valued by both is with Daniel Wilfred, songman from South Arnhem Land – cultural leader who has a relational command of music that functions on a truly unique plane.

Daniel Wilfred – voice, bilma

Daniel Wilfred, skin name Wamut, is a Wagiläk man from Ngukurr, NT. He’s a ceremonial leader for the Wagiläk people, singing manikay and playing bilma at ceremonies in Ngukurr, Numbulwar, Groote Eylandt and surrounding areas. He studied closely with his Elders, including song man Roy Ashley from Beswick, NT. Together with his family members Benjamin Wilfred and David Wilfred, he has been collaborating with jazz musicians from the Australian Art Orchestra and other ensembles for almost 15 years, sharing his songs and culture with people around the world. Daniel was the recipient of the 2019 Arts Fellowship by the Northern Territory. Together with David, he was awarded the NT Luminary Award for ‘cultural leadership and sustained creative contributions in Australia and beyond’ during the 2020 Art Music Awards by APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre.

Paul Grabowsky – piano

Paul Grabowsky is an Australian pianist, composer, arranger, conductor and Executive Director of Monash University Performing Arts Centres. He has been a significant figure in the Australian jazz scene for over 30 years and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most distinguished and innovative musicians. Grabowsky has released numerous solo albums, as well as collaborated with various artists and ensembles. He has been awarded multiple accolades, including several ARIA awards (Australia’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards) for Best Jazz Album, as well as the Order of Australia for his contributions to music.

Peter Knight – trumpet / electronics

Peter Knight’s practice is characterised by perpetual curiosity and exists in the spaces between categories, genres, and cultures. In recent years, he has become a significant international force in contemporary music, with a track record of initiating commissions, collaborations, and performances with a diverse range of artists including: Daniel Wilfred (Arnhem Land), Anthony Braxton (USA), Nicole Lizée (Canada), Senyawa (Indonesia), Baliphonics (Sri Lanka), Hyelim Kim (Korea/UK) and Paul Grabowsky (Australia). He has performed at some of the world’s most significant festivals and venues and has released 18 albums, including his solo album Shadow Phase in 2022. He has also composed for film, most recently completing the score for the soon-to-be-released Australian feature film, Kid Snow, in collaboration with Warren Ellis.

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