Words by Sam Elliott and Matilda Elliott.

The 20th Soundmerch Australian Music Prize (AMP) has announced its newest winner. In an evening hosted by none other than Nooky, who fronts Triple J’s Blakout and is part of the iconic music group 3%, who did their first-ever performance at the 2023 Australian Music Prize Awards. 

Kankawa Nagarra, won the AMP for her debut album, Wirlmarni. The 80-year-old Walmatjarri Elder, teacher, and Human Rights Advocate's heartfelt album captivates listeners with its blend of First Nations blues, country, and gospel styles, infused with her personal story and deep empathy for the struggles of others.

Kankawa now sits amongst other iconic Australian artists who have taken home the AMP including King Stingray, A. B. Original, Courtney Barnett, The Avalanches and Genesis Owusu to name just a few! 

Selected from a Top 9 shortlist, narrowed down from over 600 entries, ‘Wirlmarni’, meaning "disappearing," is a deeply moving collection of songs recorded on Kankawa Nagarra’s ancestral land. 

“I am so thrilled and proud to receive this award,” Kankawa shares. “Thank you so much to AMP. Coming from the remote community of Wangkatjungka, which in the past has been shown in a negative light with the focus on the issues and problems, people don’t often get to see the beautiful and positive aspects of my home and I know this award brings much pride to the people of Wangkatjungka, especially to the school and all the children who I hope to be a role model for.  I dedicate this award to all my little Greats with a special mention to Tykrira Wilson who stands with me on the cover of the album. I love them all very much. They are my future ancestors.

“Many thanks to Darren Hanlon and Flippin Yeah Records who helped me craft how it should look and sound. I wanted for it to be a very natural concept with just me and my guitar and the sounds of nature, and the sounds of my community. In that way the production of the album has been thousands of years in the making. I wish to thank Mississippi Records for getting my music out to the rest of the world.

I feel that music is a responsibility. Caring for nature is a responsibility, and protecting culture is a responsibility for its holistic wellbeing. All these things are connected, and I make it my life’s work,” Kankawa shared.

Commenting on the incredible win, AMP Founder/Director Scott Murphy said, “The judges met this morning, face-to-face, to decide that the very deserving Wirlmarni by Kankawa would win the prize. It wasn't a quick-and-easy decision to make. There were nine great albums, all quite diverse, all with judge support. Congratulations, Kankawa on winning our 20th prize!

The other shortlisted artists for the 2024 AMP are: 

• Audrey Powne 'From The Fire'

• Amyl & The Sniffers 'Cartoon Darkness'

• Dobby 'Warrangu; River Story'

• Grace Cummings 'Ramona'

• Hiatus Kaiyote 'Love Heart Cheat Code'

• Kankawa Nagarra 'Wirlmarni'

• Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds 'Wild God'

• Rowena Wise 'Senseless Acts Of Beauty'

• The Dirty Three 'Love Changes Everything'