Efficient Space Presents
Keanu Nelson & Kankawa Nagarra
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (Castlemaine, VIC)
Friday, 30 October 2026 7:00 pm
Efficient Space presents an evening of experimental dub and blues-infused sounds, featuring Luritja singer Keanu Nelson and blues singer and Walmatjarri Elder Kankawa Nagarra.
Hailing from Papunya/Warumpi, NT, Keanu Nelson previews his forthcoming second album alongside producer Yuta Matsumura. Together they road test their evolving, way out “dub country” sound through unreleased songs and cuts from his celebrated debut Wilurarrakutu.
Joining him is Kankawa Nagarra, the 83-year-old Walmatjarri Elder, teacher, activist and blues singer from Wangkatjungka, WA. From cultural songs at ceremonies to hymns, gospel and country, she discovered the blues years later after hearing a busker in Derby. Her album Wirlmarni, recorded with Darren Hanlon in the Kimberley, was awarded the 20th Australian Music Prize. With a follow-up underway, Kankawa will also share new material at the Theatre Royal.
Revive Live – an Australian Government initiative
Hailing from Papunya/Warumpi, NT, Keanu Nelson previews his forthcoming second album alongside producer Yuta Matsumura. Together they road test their evolving, way out “dub country” sound through unreleased songs and cuts from his celebrated debut Wilurarrakutu.
Joining him is Kankawa Nagarra, the 83-year-old Walmatjarri Elder, teacher, activist and blues singer from Wangkatjungka, WA. From cultural songs at ceremonies to hymns, gospel and country, she discovered the blues years later after hearing a busker in Derby. Her album Wirlmarni, recorded with Darren Hanlon in the Kimberley, was awarded the 20th Australian Music Prize. With a follow-up underway, Kankawa will also share new material at the Theatre Royal.
Revive Live – an Australian Government initiative