Songlines on RTRFM: Kankawa Nagarra (Makuru)

The month of Makuru is a very special one because we were graced in the studio by Walmatjarri Elder, international blues and gospel singer-songwriter, teacher, mentor, human rights advocate and political activist Kankawa Nagarra, also known as Olive Knight. 

With roots in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, Kankawa found her voice in the country, blues and rock music of her youth which was spent in missions across the state. 

Despite a rough start in life, her natural talent and generous spirit led her to a career in music, with performances spanning local gospel choir stages to singing with Hugh Jackman on Broadway. 

As well as this, Kankawa was central in developing the Walmajarri dictionary to preserve her local language and continues to bring greater awareness of and prevention efforts to end substance abuse within Indigenous communities across Australia. 

Songlines is an RTRFM podcast shining a light on First Nations artists across WA.

Join Cezera Critti Schnaars across the Noongar seasons as she yanrs with the creatives paving the way for the next generation of storytellers.