YOU can tell summer is around the corner when Sunday Music kicks off at the Fremantle Arts Centre.
Since its re-launch in 1998, the free afternoon concerts have become something of a local institution with people flocking to FAC’s leafy courtyard to see a diverse mix of bands and artists (tip: get there at dawn before the pensioners nab all the plastic seats).
As well as local performers, Sunday Music also features interstate and overseas bands on tour, giving it an exciting and unpredictable blend.
Kickstarting this year’s sessions are Walyalup Kannajil, an inclusive community choir from Freo.
Formed in 2018, the choir was born out of a series of music workshops and initially rehearsed at the Fremantle PCYC in Hilton.
• Kobi Arthur Morrison (centre, guitar) leads the Walyalup Kannajil community choir.
Nowadays they meet fortnightly at the FAC and are led by Bibbulmun Noongar singer-songwriter Kobi Arthur Morrison, who was 2018 Perth NAIDOC Youth of the Year.
Walyalup Kannajil translates as Fremantle in Truth, and most of the choir’s songs are performed in Noongar.
Morrison says they sing original material as well as popular songs translated into Noongar.
“Our favourite pop song in our core repertoire is Country Roads, and a good chunk of songs at the FAC concert will be familiar covers,” he says. “I’ll try and teach a couple of Noongar words to the crowd so they can join in for a singalong.
“Phrases like ‘Here Comes The Sun’ are pretty straightforward.
“I’m planning to provide a QR code, so people can get access to some of the lyrics.”
Music runs in the family—Morrison’s mum, Della Rae Morrison, co-founded the Forrestfield choir Madjitil Moorna some two decades ago, and it’s still going strong. In recent years, he’s taken over as coordinator.
If that wasn’t enough, Morrison also has pop-folk band Endeavours, and releases 100 per cent Noongar-language music under the moniker Koortal.
“I decided that I wanted to release one song per Noongar season, to cover the six seasons in Noongar culture,” he says.
“I’ve also been releasing Noongar covers of classic Australian pop songs.”
Morrison says the choir has around 15–20 core members and they are all excited about performing at FAC.
Closing out Sunday’s double bill is Downsyde, an energetic hip hop group from Perth who have shared the stage with Jurassic 5, Cypress Hill, Grandmaster Flash, The Black Eyed Peas and The Roots.
Formed in 1996, the trio features Optamus, DazastaH & BeNI BJAH.
The full October-to-March line-up for Sunday Music is eclectic and includes everyone from Bella Dyer and Noah Dillon to Grace Barbé and De Cuba Son.
The November 8 session will complement PrideFEST with powerhouse singer Queency joined by DJs Oniiké & LANI.
There’ll also be some experimental fare with 2PCE Feed—the fuzz-box baby of Abbe May and Lochy. Casii Williams will provide some country music, while LamBros will unleash their distorted acoustic guitars, raw vocals and homemade drum kit.
Walyalup Kannajil (2:15–3pm) and Downsyde (3:15pm–4pm) are on tomorrow (Sunday October 18) at the Fremantle Arts Centre, 1 Finnerty Street.
by STEPHEN POLLOCK