Title: Kurunpa Godaku
Artist: Aaron Fraser (produced by Elisha Umuhuri)
Language: Pitjantjatjara
Song Background
I wrote this song back in 2020 during the pandemic time where I had so much time writing songs. I have a strong belief that God gave me this song Kurunpa Godaku which translates to (spirit of God) to tell a story about the love of God to my people. I had the privilege to record this song in the CASM (Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music) studios four years later in (2024) with the help from Eli from Dem Mob when I moved to Adelaide to study music.
I sang this song in my Language (Pitjantjatjara) and in it I speak about how no matter how lonely or neglected you are there is always hope in the name of Jesus.
In our lowest and even our highest moments his grace and love will never change, he won’t leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6)
The song is meant to encourage people to not give up when they are struggling. It is to remind people that He (God) is always there even when we feel alone, when no one is around them and they feel no hope, that they need to have faith and know that someone will always believe in them and have their back through any situation. It is hard when you feel lonely and feel like nothing is going to work out, but at the end of the day you just need to trust and believe that He will bless you with his presence, He will give you strength to comfort and guide you through the hard times. This song is for everyone, the song should bring hope and joy to children, teenagers and adults who listen to it.
Bio
Aaron Fraser is a singer-song writer and multi-instrumentalist studying at CASM (Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music), who grew up in a small community in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands. While growing up, he travelled around the APY lands with his grandfather, singing gospel music. Before coming to Adelaide to study, he was a passionate music teacher at a local school in the APY lands. Aaron performs a repertoire of songs, and can accompany himself on guitar or piano. He finds inspiration in artists such as Luke Combs as a performer and songwriter.
This song was recorded and produced in collaboration with Elisha Umuhuri, who is a member of the group DEM MOB.
“DEM MOB formed in the APY lands in the community of Pukatja. They are the first hip hop group from the region, (who) rap in Pitjantjatjara. DEM MOB’s mission is to empower youth with our own culture through music.”
“DEM MOB,” Selected Music, https://selectmusic.com.au/artist/dem-mob/.