Floodplain harvesting has long been a controversial practice in Western NSW, and after a rappers visit to his origins in Brewarrina, he’s put lyrics to the problem.

Filipino, Ngempa and Murruwarri artist DOBBY (Rhyan Clapham) is a rapper and drummer who’s using his music success to broadcast the issues of his Ngempa and Murrawarri community.

In an early release from his debut album, DOBBY’s song Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya follows the issues plaguing river systems local to Brewarrina. 

“On a hot morning in Brewarrina 2018, I recorded a beautiful Pied Butcher Bird calling from right outside my window at my Aunty Noeleen Shearer’s house,” DOBBY said. 

“He forms the basis of the song, and I’ve provided some more music around his melody.”

‘Dirrpi Yuin Patjulinya’ means ‘The Bird Names Himself’ in Brewarrina’s local Ngemba language.  

DOBBY’s music has always been known to raise awareness, and this time he’s honed in on an issue he’s grown up alongside.

DOBBY 's Australian tour stopped at Brewarrina, an uncommon gig location for a rapper. (Facebook: DOBBY)

“I think (Indigenous voices) are heard, but they’re not being taken to the right people for the next step,” DOBBY said. 

“We get chances to be able to speak on Q&A or to ministers…but then nothing happens...there’s been a lot of fumbling of numbers.”

“I’m just a musician and I don’t have the answers, but it’s a big part of what caring for Country means.”

Last week, DOBBY released the video accompanying the song, blending footage (both recorded and AI generated) to document the drought that impacted the Murray Darling during 2019. 

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

The single comes from his soon to be released album ‘WARRANGU: River Story’, which follows the three rivers bordering Brewarrina; the Bogan, Culgoa, and Barwon RIvers. 

The new album has been five years in the making, and took him to a performance on the banks of the Barwon River. 

“These are the voices of my communities, so to perform it back where they live is actually really quite special but also nerve-wracking.”

The album is set for release on June 14, 2024. 

“I hold it very close to my heart, and I want everyone to be able to hear it.”