Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya

DOBBY

A celebration of natural beauty, exploration of connection to Country and call for systemic change.

Why I wrote this song

“Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya”, meaning “The Bird Names Himself” in the local Ngemba language of Brewarrina NSW, begins with a bird singing a story of Country; land, water and sky, in the triumphant sound bed of strings and driving drums that help support the Pied Butcher Bird’s ancient flight across the Riverina.

I first heard and recorded the distinct call of the Pied Butcherbird that becomes a melodic motif throughout this song. “Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya” is backed by an arrangement of gracefully plucked and bowed strings. A sharp beat paces as I flow between my mob’s language and English as I call for for systemic and political change. The song (and partially AI generated music video) focuses on the Murray Darling Basin, in particular the severe drought that heavily impacted the Murray Darling during 2019.

The combination of real and fake imagery of our rivers is intended to provoke thoughts about Country and question the authenticity of our connection with Country. In this video we champion both the natural beauty of Ngemba and Murrwarri Countries, as well as highlight the sheer damage that Westernised agriculture and floodplain harvesting has put upon our lands and waterways.”

About me as an artist

As a rapper, drummer, composer and producer, DOBBY brings a dynamic and powerful energy to his live shows delivering an experience like no other. Proudly identifying as a Filipino and Aboriginal musician, DOBBY’s roots run deep in the Muruwari and Ngemba lands of Weilmoringle and Brewarrina, NSW.

DOBBY’s music has taken him across the globe and to performances at festivals across Australia and Sydney Opera House.

DOBBY composed all the soundscapes for PARRTJIMA 2021 & 2022 in Alice Springs, NT, and his music was the driving force behind Australia’s first 500-strong drones show, Elevate Sydney 2022 & 2023. His song ‘I CAN’T BREATHE’ won Best Video at the FBi SMAC Awards in 2020 and has become an anthem for Australia’s Bla(c)k Lives Matter movement and used in schools to educate students on the struggles faced by marginalised communities.

He was awarded the NIMA Archie Roach Foundation Award, which recognises emerging First Nations artists who show exceptional talent and promise in their chosen field. His unique style, powerful lyrics, and dynamic performances have captivated audiences worldwide, and his influence is only continuing to grow, there is no doubt that DOBBY will continue to inspire and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of music.

About the music video

“The video focuses on the Murray Darling Basin, in particular the severe drought that heavily impacted the Murray Darling during 2019.

The combination of real and fake imagery of our rivers is intended to provoke thoughts about Country and question the authenticity of our connection with Country.

In this video we champion both the natural beauty of Ngemba and Murrwarri Countries, as well as highlight the sheer damage that Westernised agriculture and floodplain harvesting has put upon our lands and waterways.”