QPAC

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

Five Minutes with Jungaji

Mon 8 July 2024

Jungaji, previously known as Troy Brady, is a Gu Gu Yalanji songman, visual artist, playwright, and activist, and is joining the Warriors line-up as part of Clancestry with his unique RnB and soul sound that showcases his cultural roots.

We chatted with Jungaji about his inspirations, his songwriting process, and why music is so important to his life.

What inspires you?
Life and family are what keeps me inspired and motivated. I count every sunrise as a blessing and the ability to create and to share those inner gifts with the broader community is what drives me as a songman.

What are some of the things that make you laugh?
Hanging with my gummys (grandsons) and the joy that they bring to my heart is what nourishes and sustains me, along with my tribe and my inner circle of friends, keeps my mind sharp and fulfilled.

What are some of the ways you like to relax and rewind?
I sometimes find just the simple pleasures of life like deep breathing and chilling with no expectations centres my outlook on what I’m dealing with at that present time. Also going to the gym, movies, fishing, and walking on country to recalibrate always has its benefits with being a creative whose responsibility is to give honestly.

What are some of the reasons that being an artist is so important to you?
I feel we have a duty of care to ensure that we are honest and truthful with our creative service delivery, particularly when talking to so many sensitive issues that affect our communities on a daily basis.

Tell us a bit about your songwriting process and where you get your inspiration from.
A song can come in any form whether it be through a dream, conversation, or just through observing your environment and what’s around you in terms of spiritual signs. The ability to translate that through a beautiful melody enables so much healing particularly when it comes from a place of honesty.

If you could share a space with any musician, who would you like to perform with and why?
It’ll definitely have to be with my son Dean Brady. I’m in awe of his creative ideas and his honesty as a songwriter nourishes my heart as a father and fellow bama musician. The majority of the time I like to be as the other punters and just watch him stand in is power, obviously when we are singing together there is a greater ceremony that is transcendent.

Music is important to everyone, it means so much to all of us, in a multitude of ways. Why is it so important to you?
It’s a responsibility that I don’t take for granted. Having ridden the roller coaster of the industry's ups and downs, it's a blessing to have the ability to transform and be present 31 years later. It's been a creative rebirth that has given me a new lease on life and for that I’m nourished and blessed.

What were some of the reasons you wanted to take part in a concert like Warriors at QPAC?
I think the opportunity to share with some other strong brothers like Andrew Gurruwiwi, Radical Son, and J-MILLA is integral in terms of sharing and talking to issues like men's mental health, particularly with the ceremony and testimony each of us bring to the table. Mental health has personally impacted my life and trying to navigate the valley is a daily challenge that gives me perspective but also inspires me to be the best version of myself, so it’ll be an empowering evening of black excellence amongst other warrior brothers and being inspired by their stories.

Why should Brisbane audiences come along to Warriors?
I think the opportunity to bring this collective of strong brothers together from around the country warrants a special environment to showcase our stories and what better space to do that then the Concert Hall at QPAC. It is a special room and no matter where you sit within that space you feel like you’re a part of the show and that’s a special interaction, particularly with the ceremony that we are giving to the audience. It is going to be a very memorable and special experience for us all.