Kankawa Nagarra

Kankawa Nagarra performs at Clancys Fremantle with special guest Nika Mo.
Kankawa Nagarra, also known as Olive Knight, is a celebrated musician, singer-songwriter, and elder from the Wangkatjungka community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Her music blends blues, gospel, and traditional Indigenous Australian sounds, creating a powerful expression of her personal and cultural heritage.

In 2023, Kankawa recorded a deeply personal and stripped-back album titled "Wirlmarni", with her voice accompanied solely by her guitar. This minimalist style underscores her storytelling abilities and brings listeners into a raw musical experience from her home. The album was released in August 2024 by Flippin Yeah! Records (Aus) and Mississippi Records (USA).

Following the release of Wirlmarni, Kankawa Nagarra achieved a number of significant milestones. In 2024, she was inducted into the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame, recognising her remarkable contributions to music and cultural advocacy. Later in the year, she performed a special showcase at the Australian Consulate in New Caledonia, representing Australian music on an international stage and sharing her stories with a global audience. To top an extraordinary year, Kankawa was awarded the prestigious Australian Music Prize for Wirlmarni, solidifying her reputation as a groundbreaking artist and storyteller. 

Kankawa Nagarra remains a passionate advocate for Indigenous culture and heritage, using her music to inspire, educate, and connect people across communities and cultures.