Title: Wai-e
Artist: Community Collective Rights Traditional Owners, Boigu Island, Torres Strait Islands, and E. Peters
Language: Torres Strait Island
Lyrics
(See sheet music)
Background
When visiting lecturers (such as those from the APY lands) would come to CASM, the choir would work on songs such as Wankarunta, and choir member Eddie Peters would work on pieces with the singers such as “Wai-e”, from the traditional owners of Boigu Island, Torres Strait Islands. As well as Eddie Peters, the choir also collaborated with notable musician’s such as Jardine Kiwat and Grayson Rotumah. Looking back on the history of the choir, Anthony Pak Poy recalls working with the choir when they would visit communities in the APY land, where they would often sing these songs for the children and teach them the dancing that accompany the pieces. When the choir would arrive in town, the children would come running in excitement, and the Elders would join in on the singing and dancing.
Bio
The CASM community choir was made up of students and staff at CASM, and was a respected part of the extra curriculum activities, filling the students with great pride when performing. The choir would perform at the CASM showcase performances, at wider community events, and drew attention from high profile festivals being invited to perform at WOMADelaide.