Gugu Yalanji and Birrugubba songman Jungaji has released his debut solo album Betting On Blak, with a national tour underway and additional dates to follow.
The title track 'Betting On Blak' has premiered on AMNplify alongside an official music video directed by James Latter.
Described by Jungaji as a song about self-belief, it features the lyric, "I'm betting on faith, I'm betting on trust, I'm betting on love, I'm betting on us."
Jungaji said the album reflects a personal journey spanning decades.
"Having faith and the eye on the prize, and that is the person in the mirror," he said.
"It's about betting on yourself rather than letting other people dictate what the road looks like for you, and it has taken me 30 years to back myself.
"When you find yourself out in the never never land, in the scrub, you can't rely on anyone else to come and save you – that's when the inner consciousness and the instinct within tells you that its either fight or flight."
The album follows a series of major health challenges, including two strokes, two heart attacks and open-heart surgery.
Jungaji said the experience shaped his outlook.
"Coming through two strokes, two heart attacks and open-heart surgery, and so many other contributing factors that ripped my heart and my soul literally out of my chest and out of my body, and to still be standing here… it's a reflection of one's self-worth, of what it is to appreciate and love life," he said.
The 10-track album includes new songs such as Sun Moon Stars and Misson Streets, along with a remix of Adore by Candy Suite featuring Bekki Whitton.
Previously released tracks include River Girl, Pilbara Man, Wakka Wakka Woman, and Gummy Bamarra, Jungaji's QMA-winning song in Gugu Yalanji, which has surpassed 250,000 streams on Spotify.
His tour continues with performances in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Far North Queensland. CDs, vinyl and merchandise bundles are available online and at shows.
Tour Dates
13 June - Brisbane Powerhouse (All Ages)
14 June - The Presynct, Sunshine Coast (18+)
15 June - Mo's Desert Clubhouse, Gold Coast (All Ages)
9 -12 October - Savannah in the Round, FNQ
Additional tour dates are set to be announced soon.