Title: Kartla Karntu (firestorm)
Artist: Tilly Tjala Thomas
Language: Nukunu and English
Lyrics
(verse 1)
ngatyu thura – my people
ngatyu yarta – my land
wanhanga thirntu – where is the sun
thirntu wanhanga nhiina – sun where are you
(Chorus 1)
ngayi wartli manhatya – my home I go
ngayi wartli manhatya – my home I go
(Verse 2)
maru mankarra – black girl
maru kunga – black boy
Warrarla wangkatya – language to speak
In the darkest moments
We rise up
Strength to the ones
Who raised us
So we can see
The morning sun
(Chorus 2)
ngayi wartli manhatya – my home I go
ngayi wartli manhatya – my home I go
Background
The song I’ve chosen for the health music therapist songbook is called “Kartla Kartnu” (Fire Storm). When I started writing this song, I was out on Nukunu country and wanted to write a song in language that talks about the importance of cultural practices such as controlled burn-offs. This is a significant practice that my people have been doing for thousands of years to look after country.
I was able to experience being involved in cultural burn-offs on Nukunu country in Wilmington last year. This experience made me feel connected to country; it was a therapeutic experience looking after country in that way.
It made me feel really good about myself because I was learning how to look after my country, and I felt grateful that I was able to do this practice with my Nukunu family, some of whom I don’t see often.
I was able to learn how these practices have prevented bushfires and learn more about the wildlife in that area. I wanted to write this song in Nukunu language because I feel strongly about the preservation of Nukunu language. This song highlights that we should listen to the knowledge our elders have passed down, such as our language, music, art, and how to look after country.
Bio
Tilly Tjala Thomas is a Nukunu singer-songwriter, who grew up on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South of Adelaide. Since finishing school in 2020, the electronic pop and indie musician has bagged numerous industry accolades, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Musician of the Year, NIMA Unearthed Award at the 2021 National Indigenous Music Awards and the Emily Burrows Award at the 2021 South Australian Music Awards.
Tilly was awarded the Stigwood Artist Fellowship (2022) and released her first EP, Sanctuary.