WATA​

WATA is a unique musical project uniting Paul Grabowsky with Yolŋu Songmen Daniel and David Wilfred of South-East Arnhem Land. Taking its name from the Yolŋu Matha word for “wind,” WATA weaves ancient manikay (song) traditions with contemporary improvisation, creating a deeply moving and culturally resonant performance.

​

Drawn from the Wägilak clan’s ancestral knowledge, Daniel and David Wilfred’s ceremonial songs carry stories passed down through countless generations. When blended with Paul Grabowsky’s spontaneous piano work, these ancient melodies find new pathways of expression—bridging traditional Yolŋu culture and modern compositional language.

 

In each performance, WATA illuminates the power of collaboration to connect past and present. The work underscores how music can foster deeper understanding between cultures, while honouring the living heritage of Indigenous Australia. Through the interplay of Yolŋu voices and piano improvisation, WATA both acknowledges and reimagines one of the world’s oldest continuous musical lineages, offering audiences a profound encounter with Australian identity.