Kankawa Nagarra Wins 20th Soundmerch Australian Music Prize for ‘Wirlarni’

Kankawa Nagarra, the Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu and a Walmatjarri Elder, has been named the winner of the 20th Soundmerch Australian Music Prize (AMP) for her debut album Wirlmarni.

The recognition highlights the album’s cultural depth and emotional resonance, blending Aboriginal blues, country, and gospel with Nagarra’s powerful storytelling.

The album’s title, Wirlmarni, meaning “disappearing,” reflects themes of loss, resilience, and cultural preservation. Recorded on her ancestral lands, it features natural community sounds and raw compositions, including the poignant title track, a duet with Archer.

In her acceptance speech, Nagarra expressed pride in her achievement and the impact it will have on her community in Wangkatjungka, particularly on the school and children she hopes to inspire as a role model. She dedicated the award to her “future ancestors.”

“I am so thrilled and proud to receive this award. Thankyou 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,” Nagarra said.

“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. 

The AMP judges praised Wirlmarni for its authenticity and profound connection to Australia’s heritage. Nagarra emphasized that the album’s production is deeply rooted in ancestral traditions, calling it “thousands of years in the making.”

AMP founder Scott Murphy described the judging process as challenging but ultimately rewarding, calling Wirlmarni a deserving winner, saying, “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!”

Inspired by the U.K.’s Mercury Prize, the AMP focuses exclusively on artistic merit, recognizing albums that transcend commercial considerations. This year’s competition featured over 600 eligible albums, narrowed to a shortlist of nine, showcasing the diversity of Australian music. Other nominees included Hiatus Kaiyote, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and Dobby.

Born on Gooniyandi and Walmatjarri land, Nagarra’s music blends traditional sounds with contemporary influences, delivering songs in Kriol, English, and traditional languages. Her work highlights the intersection of nature, culture, and music, reinforcing her message of environmental and cultural responsibility.

Kankawa Nagarra joins a prestigious lineup of past AMP winners, including Genesis Owusu, Sampa the Great, and The Avalanches. Nagarra’s victory not only cements her place in Australian music history but also amplifies the voices and stories of her remote community on a global stage.

Listen to Wirlmarni below.