Musician and activist Kankawa Nagarra to lead special International Women’s Day event

Rosemount Hotel has something very special lined up for International Women’s Day this year, as Kankawa Nagarra, widely known as Olive Knight, will bring her powerful narratives and soulful tunes to The Backyard on Friday, March 8.

Hailing from the Walmatjarri community as a respected Elder, Kankawa Nagarra is not only an internationally acclaimed blues and gospel singer-songwriter but also an accomplished teacher, mentor, human rights advocate, and political activist. Her remarkable journey began with the development of the Walmatjarri dictionary in the 1960s, and she has since dedicated her life to supporting research on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) within the Indigenous community, tirelessly working to raise awareness about alcohol abuse.

Growing up amidst the Gooniyandi and Walmatjarri peoples of north western Australia, Nagarra faced adversity from the very day of her birth. Born to a half-caste father, she narrowly escaped a customary fate that befell half-blood children in her community, thanks to the intervention of an elder. Overcoming challenges, she forged her own path, moving from mission to mission before finding love and purpose alongside her husband, Jim, a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights.

Following Jim’s passing, Nagarra’s singing and songwriting became a source of solace and opportunity. From her early days in mission gospel choirs to her exploration of country western music, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll, Nagarra’s talent as a singer attracted collaborations with other artists who sought her unique voice and ability to translate songs into her traditional language.

Playing live with her band in Rosemount Hotel’s Backyard, this is a free entry event.

Kankawa Nagarra performs at Rosemount Hotel’s International Women’s Day celebrations on Friday, March 8, 2024. For more info, head to rosemounthotel.oztix.com.au