Walaya is the first single from the upcoming album 'Mayawa' to be released in August 2023.

The energetic reggae rock song features the well-loved Kunibidji singer Rachel Thomas and Na-kara woman Jolene Lawrence, one of Arnhem Land’s most exciting female drummers.

    

Walaya was written by singer Rachel Thomas and Jacob James in the 1990’s and opens with the original recording of the song made on a cassette tape. Rachel is a long-standing gospel singer and composer who believes in the power of music to soothe and bring healing. The title ‘Walaya’ refers to the beautiful seaside cliff area of Maningrida.

Rachel says about the song, “When I feel lonely, when I feel sad, I go to the beach and look out over the ocean and see the sunset. This heals me. Music heals me.    

                

Walaya is released independently supported by Monotoca Music. It features women throughout the creative process, composed by Rachel Thomas And Jacob James, performed and arranged by Ripple Effect Band. Walaya was produced by Jodie Kell and Tara Rostron with help and love from Michael Hohnen at Skinnyfish Music. James Mangohig was the Skinnyfish Music studio engineer, including vocal tracking, guide beats and editing, and drum set up by Duane Preston at Studio G, Darwin. Guitar tracking by Jodie and Tara at Music NT. Pre-mixing by Jodie and Tara at Ackeron Street Studios in Newcastle, mixing by Antonia Gauci and mastering by Becki Whitton. The music video was created by Scrub Bull Productions.