CD: Badu Nawul

Commissioned by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and its board in 2007, the four CD/DVD compilations of Torres Strait Islander music provide important documentation of the music of four different islands in the Torres Strait region, namely Badu, Mabuiag, Iama/Yam and Warraber/Sue. The aim of the project was to recognise that ‘cultural activities such as music and dance play a pivotal role in ensuring traditional cultural practices are maintained and celebrated with pride’ (CD liner notes, p. 2 of all four CDs). Collaborators in the project were local communities, Arts Queensland, the National Library of Australia and Central Queensland University. The CDs and accompanying DVDs are a significant educational and research resource for students and scholars of anthropology, ethnomusicology and popular music, as well as those with an interest in Indigenous music in Australia. They also provide an important resource for Torres Strait Islander people on the islands and on mainland Australia to document and celebrate the musical skills, identities and culture of their musicians, singers, songwriters and dancers.

The CDs and DVDs successfully celebrate the songs, music, culture, skills and strength of Torres Strait Islanders and will be a valuable resource for students, researchers and, most importantly, the communities where they were recorded.