In Between (Single) - Apakatjah

In Between (Single) – Apakatjah

“In Between” is the title track from their debut album and needs little explanation. Taken as a reference to their name, the word ‘apakatjah’ is a Luritja kriol word for a person of mixed race heritage. “Not quite black, not quite white. Somewhere in-between! We once perceived it to be a negative – socially constructed to separate and segregate, to divide and conquer. But now we realise that as Aboriginal people, we’re not the only ones who live this life, but many others. Time to embrace it!”

Apakatjah (pronounced uppa–cut-ja) is a duo consisting of Dion Forrester and Jonathan Lindsay-Tjapaltjarri Hermawan who through their performances weave together a reflection of their blended cultures and wide musical influences such as Aboriginal desert reggae like Tjupi Band, old school metal like Iron Maiden and guitar master, Tommy Emmanuel.

Category: Apakatjah Tags: Alywarre, aranda, Arrarnta, Arrernte, Arunta, Islander, Kaytitj, luritja, Pintupi-Luritja, Pitjantjatjara

Description

Emerging from the deserts of Central Australia is the unique sound of Apakatjah who combine intricate guitar work with ancient languages, stirring harmonies and traditional instruments.

Through its two band members Apakatjah combines the cultures of Aboriginal Australia (Pintupi-Luritja, Pitjantjatjara, Pertame Central Arrernte, Alywarre, Kaytitj and Islander), as well as heritage from European, Indonesian, Irish, Welsh and Dutch migrants. The word ‘apakatjah’ is a Luritja kriol word for a person of mixed race heritage, which the duo have reclaimed to demonstrate the pride they have in their identity and to draw strength from their culture.

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