MIIHI MIRRI-DHA - 'DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH' (Moree, NSW)

Added by Desert Pea Media

Description Desert Pea Media are very proud to present the release of the debut single from ‘Miihi Mirri-Dha’ (I am connected to the stars) – the first official media outcome of ‘The Crossroads Project’ in Moree, NSW.

From May – December in 2023, the DPM Creative Team has worked with young people, knowledge holders, community members and Elders in the communities of Moree and Bourke NSW. The projects combine workshops and skills development in digital media and performance, leadership, facilitation, cultural education, and social & emotional wellbeing.

‘Diamond In The Rough’ combines modern, hard-hitting truth-telling with cultural education and traditional songline. A challenge to rise-up and be who you are destined to be. Blending traditional wisdom with contemporary storytelling, in a way that resonates with us all. The track celebrates resilience, hope, and the deep spirituality of the Gomeroi community and country.

" A story of a new beginning, dance, sing, work and learn together. Where everyone comes together as a stronger community.” Mika Tyson – Project Participant.

”Leaders create pathways from earth to the stars and beyond. Let’s start telling our yarn properly. Let the truth set you free.” Matthew Priestley – Crossroads Project Director.

Desert Pea Media is a community-driven media organisation that has been working to amplify the voices of remote and regional communities in Australia for over two decades. Through innovative arts and digital media initiatives, Desert Pea Media empowers individuals to tell their stories and celebrate their unique perspectives. www.desertpeamedia.com

Collaboratively written and produced by Desert Pea Media (featuring music by Sydney-based artist VULI (True Vibenation).

Funded by the Department of Regional NSW via the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program.

Special thanks to the Gomeroi people, and to the magic black soil plains.

LYRICS

Dhinawan yuluwirri – from the beginning
Like a whisper in the wind singin’ the spirits are with me
Yarran-dhu mirri-dha, diamond in the rough
It’s Moree madness, living life in the cut

Rumpers at night
going live on the mic
Like a spark to a flame
When the timing is right

Yaama. Welcome to the black soil plains
Where the mob self-medicate to hide from the pain
Where the war with cops is just a part of the game
Shout outs to Buddy G – put respect on his name.
Don’t forget it

We got these traumas
We’ve been trying to heal this pain
They tried to break us
They can never take away this flame

The system trying to cage us
Put our mob back in these chains
Them old spirits angered
Look to the stars and you will see

Moree madness, getting ready to go.
When I speak my truth I got that sunshine glow
From the bush to the beach where my songlines flow
Gomeroi, Dunghutti – if you know then you know

My daddy said this world ain’t made for me
No matter what I do how I dress how I speak
But no matter what they think, what they hear, what they see
I am this country and this country is me

Me and my M.O.B
Shout outs to Moree
Got dat black history
Top Camp to Birrawee

Wear the black on my back where my backpack be
Once I land my degree – nah ya ain’t stopping me (nah)

Coz my people survived
Kept my stories alive
It’s where I get my pride
Straight outta Terry Hie Hie

Got the spirit inside
I got that black soil pride
Put ya hands in the sky
If you from Terry Hie Hie

We got these traumas
We’ve been trying to heal this pain
They tried to break us
They can never take away this flame

The system trying to cage us
Put our mob back in these chains
Them old spirits angered
Look to the stars and you will see


CO-WRITERS/PERFORMERS

Dekquitah Taylor
Mika Tyson
Tia Duke
Jessica Pitt
Wonna Barlow
Brenda Towney
Talice McIntosh
Amelia McIntosh
Shae Duncan
Jimmy Pitt
Kerrod Tighe

Wonna Barlow
Maf Priestley
Daylene Barlow
Baker Boy

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Toby Finlayson - Director/Camera 2/Facilitator/Co-Writer/Co-Producer/Project Co-Director
Samuel Vines - DOP/Editor/Effects/Co-Director
Jannali Doncaster - Co-Writer/Co-Facilitator/Co-Director
Maf Priestley - DPM Co-Founder/Project Co-Director/Co-Writer/Cultural IP Holder
Vulindlela Mkwananzi aka VULI - Music Producer
Daniel Glossop - Sound Engineer/Co-Writer/Co-Facilitator
Shae Duncan - Co-Facilitator/Dancer/Community Liason/Co-Writer
Scott Large - General Manager/Co-Producer/Co-Facilitator/Photographer/Graphic Design
Nick Andrews - Colour Grading
Nathaniel Sherwood - Audio Mixing/Mastering