Title: Twinkle Twinkle (Pitjantjatjara Version)
Credit: Jane Taylor (1806)
Artist: Elisha Umuhuri and Aaron Fraser
Language: Pitjantjatjara and English
Background
“Twinkle Twinkle” is a modern reinterpretation of the classic nursery rhyme “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” This contemporary pop version blends Aaron’s mother tongue, Pitjantjatjara, with an upbeat and vibrant pop style.
Lyrics
Twinkle twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high,
like a diamond in the sky
Twinkle Twinkle little star,
When the blazing sun is gone,
when he nothing shines upon
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle Twinkle on the night
Twinkle Twinkle little star
Ngarirana nyakupai, Ilkaringka irnyani
Rawangkuna kulilpai, nyaa nyuntu kililpi kulunypa
Invani, irryani mungaka irvani, iryani
Ngarirana nyakupai, Ilkaringka irnyani
Rawangkuna kulilpai, nyaa nyuntu kililpi kulunypa
Irrnyani, irnyani mungaka irvani irryani
Ngarirana nyakupai Ilkaringka irnyani
Rawngkuna kulilpai, nyaa nyuntu kililpi kulunypa
Bio
The song was recorded and produced in collaboration with Elisha Umuhuri—member of the group DEM MOB—at the CASM studios in Adelaide.
“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/.
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.