JAMBA NYINAYI FESTIVAL: SOLID ROCK, SACRED GROUND TO BE TRANSLATED INTO BAIYUNGU LANGUAGE
SHANE HOWARD - GOANNA speaks candidly about his connection to the song Solid Rock and its journey. The song has taken him to various places, both personally and professionally, including performing in countries where it has been translated into Indigenous languages. Howard reflects on the honor of having the song translated into languages like the traditional language of Tasmania and Pitijarra at Uluru. Baiyungu elder Hazel Walgar will work with Mr Howard to translate the song into Baiyungu, marking another significant moment. Howard values these translations, representing a deep respect for the country and its stories.
The song's cultural impact goes beyond music. Howard acknowledges the power of speaking the language of the land, emphasising the importance of respecting Indigenous culture and history. He doesn’t take the song for granted, understanding its role in the broader narrative of the land it represents.
The song's cultural impact goes beyond music. Howard acknowledges the power of speaking the language of the land, emphasising the importance of respecting Indigenous culture and history. He doesn’t take the song for granted, understanding its role in the broader narrative of the land it represents.
In a conversation with Ngana Radio, Howard also touches on his upbringing. His father worked in factories, and his mother was a gifted musician, both contributing to his strong sense of justice. He describes how his family's values were shaped by their Irish heritage, with his great-grandfather involved in the Eureka Stockade. The family wasn’t racist, and Howard grew up learning about the struggles of Indigenous people in Australia.
Howard's story took shape as he travelled across Australia in his younger years. Through his music, he met Aboriginal people, listened to their stories, and saw the injustices they faced. His visit to Uluru and witnessing a corroboree opened his eyes to the deep cultural connection between Aboriginal people and the land. This experience made him realise that he was in someone else’s country and led him to rethink everything he had learned.
He wrote Solid Rock in the early 80s and knew if an Aboriginal band had done it at that time, it wouldn’t have received airplay. In 1985, when the Warrampi Band released My Island Home, Howard was hopeful it would gain commercial success, but the radio stations ignored it, a sign of how entrenched racism was in the country. Despite this, Howard continues to reflect on these experiences, understanding that this cultural shift and change is ongoing.