Daniel Wilfred - Raki (2025) [Hi-Res]

Raki is a powerful musical collaboration between Yolŋu songman Daniel Wilfred, pianist Paul Grabowsky, and trumpeter/sound artist Peter Knight. Rooted in Yolŋu manikay (ancestral song cycles) from Arnhem Land, the project merges ancient Aboriginal traditions with contemporary improvisation, creating a unique soundscape that honors heritage while embracing innovation.

Recorded live at Monash Performing Arts Center, the album exemplifies deep trust and cultural exchange. The title Raki—meaning “string” in Yolŋu—symbolizes connection, continuity, and the transmission of knowledge. This spirit is reflected in Wilfred’s role as a cultural custodian, emphasized by his receipt of sacred clapsticks from an elder just before the recording.

The project continues a long-standing collaboration between Wilfred and members of the Australian Art Orchestra, including past works like Crossing Roper Bar and Hand to Earth. Raki affirms that Yolŋu stories and traditions are not static relics but living, evolving forces—resonating across generations through music.

Tracklist:
1-1 Daniel Wilfred;Paul Grabowsky;Peter Knight - Raki Part 1 [18:45]
1-2 Daniel Wilfred;Paul Grabowsky;Peter Knight - Raki Part 2 [23:13]