Djuki Mala (The Chooky Dancers) are on the road and will soon be arriving in South Australia for their August performance dates. Wakara Gondarra, a member of the group, was kind enough to sit down with us and answer some fun questions about tour life. You can read his responses below:
Favourite song in the show:
The MJ medley where I perform to Billie Jean and the POP n LOCK duo I do with Baykali are my favourites.
Favourite place you have performed in:
Townsville because I used to go to school there and plenty of people from my school turned up.
How often do you rehearse before a show:
For the tour we had two weeks in Galiwinku rehearsing and getting the show in order.
Favourite food:
Chicken Pasta – that somebody else makes for me!
Favourite thing about Elcho Island:
My favourite thing is to go hunting or fishing and going to Basket Ball courts for the weekend discos.
Top tip for life on tour:
Have your music with you at all times ( I need this because I get bored on long drives!)
Someone who inspires you:
Lionel – because he is the original Chooky Dancer!
Somewhere you would love to visit:
Solomon Islands again – because I made good friends there, water is beautiful and the people are very nice.
What can’t you live without:
My friends and family.
Country Arts SA pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognises their continuing connection and spiritual relationship to these lands, waters and skies. We are committed to listening and helping care for Country, and to safeguard, share and celebrate First Nations’ living cultures.