Warumpi Band’s story comes to Canberra this NAIDOC Week

Posted on 19 May, 2025

Tucked into this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations comes Big Name, No Blankets – an epic piece of rock ‘n’ roll theatre that brings to life the extraordinary journey of Australian music pioneers, the Warumpi Band.

After sell-out seasons at major festivals across the country, this production arrives in the capital at the perfect moment to honour the 2025 NAIDOC theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.’

For those unfamiliar with these musical trailblazers (and if you are, it’s time to remedy that cultural gap), the Warumpi Band holds a special place in Australian music history as the first rock band to sing in Aboriginal languages. Their anthems “Blackfella/Whitefella,” “My Island Home,” and “Jailanguru Pakarnu” didn’t just create ripples in the music scene – they sent waves through Australia’s cultural landscape that continue to influence contemporary Indigenous music.

The Guardian described the show as “grounded in music and guided by culture, Country and history,” noting that it has “audiences leaping out of their chairs to stomp, clap, sing, and feel.” This isn’t your typical theatrical experience – it sits somewhere beautifully between concert and storytelling, carrying audiences through the band’s remarkable rise from humble beginnings to international acclaim.

Photography: James Henry

What makes this production particularly special is how it’s narrated – founding band member Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher (played by Baykali Ganambarr) guides us through the story of how he and his two younger brothers went from jamming on a flour drum in Papunya in the 1970s to headlining concerts and touring the world. It’s a deeply personal perspective that grounds the show in authentic experience rather than distant admiration.

The timing of this production couldn’t be more significant for Canberrans. As we mark 50 years of NAIDOC Week, “Big Name, No Blankets” embodies the celebration of Indigenous voices, culture and resilience. The show weaves together culture from Central Australia and Northeast Arnhem Land, incorporating two ancestral languages – Luritja and Gumatj (Yolngu Matha) – as it explores the complex navigations between bush and city, white and black, fame and family.

Perhaps most importantly, this production represents the very essence of this year’s NAIDOC theme by showcasing how young Indigenous talent is bringing the music and stories of their predecessors to life for new generations. It’s a living demonstration of cultural strength being passed forward – exactly what we’re celebrating during this important week.

The influence of Warumpi Band stretches far beyond their own catalogue, with their groundbreaking work paving the way for other Indigenous music powerhouses like Yothu Yindi, Coloured Stone, and the more recent King Stingray. Their legacy continues to echo through contemporary Australian music, making this production not just an entertaining night out but a vital piece of cultural history.

Head to the Canberra Theatre Centre website for all the details and to book your tickets when they become available on Thursday 22 May. Let yourself be swept away by this big-hearted story that celebrates an important chapter in Australia’s musical and cultural history.