WA rapper pays tribute to family's land rights battle, defends lyrics

Emerging from the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, rapper Kurrungaya Bieundurry, professionally known as Kayps, has made a significant impact with his debut album Bunuba Baby. Released in August, the album swiftly climbed to number two on the Australian hip hop charts and garnered a nomination for a prominent national music award. The work is deeply rooted in his family’s legacy and the broader Indigenous land rights movement.

The inspiration for Bunuba Baby was sparked when Kayps discovered a photograph of his grandfather participating in a pivotal land rights protest in 1979. This protest, known as the Noonkanbah blockade, saw Indigenous defenders, including Kayps’ grandfather and other family members, physically opposing an oil company’s attempt to drill on sacred land. Despite the blockade being forcibly ended by police, the company ultimately found no resources, affirming the protesters' resistance and highlighting the ongoing struggle for land justice.

The album’s cover art holds symbolic significance, featuring the historic protest image alongside a design painted by Kayps’ father. This symbol, specific to their family and culture, represents the intergenerational commitment to preserving heritage and sovereignty.

Born in Broome and raised in the small community of Wangkatjungka, Kayps’ upbringing was enriched by a strong communal culture centered around music. His grandmother was a blues musician, while his father played guitar and sang, nurturing an environment where country, blues, and gospel genres flourished among extended family gatherings.

Relocating to Perth at the age of five introduced Kayps to new challenges, particularly as one of the few Indigenous students in his school. Early in his teens, he gravitated toward hip hop as a form of self-expression, busking with a didgeridoo to fund music production equipment and performing live for the first time at thirteen.

Over time, Kayps’ artistic voice matured, shifting from earlier work that he now describes as abrasive and reflective of youthful indiscretions, to more nuanced and politically engaged lyrics. He acknowledges that some of his initial songs contained problematic themes, including misogyny and violence, which do not align with his current values.

Bunuba Baby incorporates candid reflections on systemic issues faced by Indigenous Australians, including encounters with law enforcement and the ongoing crisis of deaths in custody. These themes underscore the album’s broader intention to raise awareness and ignite cultural pride among younger Indigenous audiences, particularly those disconnected from their ancestral lands.

Looking ahead, Kayps aims to extend his influence beyond music by conducting workshops in Fitzroy Crossing, fostering community engagement and encouraging individuals to embrace their identity on their own terms. His recognition as triple j’s Unearthed Artist of the Year finalist and the J Awards nomination signify both critical acclaim and the growing resonance of his work within the Australian music landscape.

In synthesizing personal history with political activism, Kayps’ Bunuba Baby stands as a compelling testament to the power of music as a platform for cultural storytelling and social commentary. The album not only honors the struggles of previous generations but also serves as a call to action for the future custodians of Indigenous heritage.