Dobby has this week shared Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya, the captivating first taste of his upcoming debut album Warrangu: River Stories.
A testament to the power of music as a force for social action, Dobby‘s single sheds light on the ongoing water theft occurring in the Brewarrina region of north-west New South Wales.
To deliver his poignant message, Dobby incorporates natural diegetic sounds, including the distinct call of the native Australian Pied Butcherbird.
The proud Filipino and First Nations artist adds further texture to the track with warm instrumentation — from regal string sections to punchy percussive snares.
The rich production provides a pulsating backdrop for Dobby’s razor-sharp lyricism, which flits between English, Ngemba and Muruwari.
Here, the artist calls out systemic issues of political inaction, with mentions of the endurance of the Dreamtime and his doubt in “our current leader.”
The single is accompanied by an official self-directed music video, which blends real footage with AI-generated imagery to showcase the stunning natural world now at risk due to over-irrigation and water misappropriation within Brewarrina.
Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya — which translates to ‘The Bird Names Himself’ in the local Ngemba language of Brewarrina — is the first single lifted from Dobby’s forthcoming debut, Warrangu: River Stories.
The project will further spotlight the cultural knowledge of the three rivers that surround Brewarrina, namely the Bogan River, Culgoa River and the Barwon River. Warrangu: River Stories is set for release on June 14, 2024.
The project will add to an already illustrious few years for the music activist, who has performed at BIGSOUND, Splendour in the Grass and the Sydney Opera House, on top of multiple international dates.
“There’s a lot happening right now and it has prompted me to speak about it and to speak my view on it and to give my experience,” Dobby told Happy Mag of the impetus behind his music.
“Hearing rappers talk about their shit and explaining their own personal stories is a great first step.” Be the first to answer Dobby’s call to action with his latest single Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya below.
