We are thrilled to announce the recipient of the inaugural Ilan Style Fellowship is Jessie Lloyd!
In partnership with the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), Ilan Style is delighted to support Jessie Lloyd in her research and recording of Meriam and Torres Strait ailan songs from Meriam Songwoman Margaret 'Nayama' Gabey (nee Akee).
Nayama Gabey (L) and Jessie Lloyd (R)
A Cultural Endeavour
The project aims to undertake groundbreaking research, recording, and production of culturally significant Meriam songs, ensuring their preservation through documentation and digital archiving at AIATSIS. Nayama Gabey, a respected Meriam elder and cultural practitioner from Thursday Island, initiated this collaboration with Jessie Lloyd following their work together in the Lingu Karay - Torres Strait Women's Choir, where Jessie serves as Choir Leader.
Jessie Lloyd, whose roots trace back to Moa Island, has been deeply involved in preserving, modernising, and composing songs in Western Torres Strait languages. Nayama's desire to preserve and promote Meriam songs resonates perfectly with Jessie's expertise and dedication to First Peoples' music traditions.
The Fellowship Journey
During the fellowship, Jessie Lloyd will coordinate research and recording sessions with Nayama on Thursday Island and Mer. Together, they will document Nayama's extensive Meriam song repertoire, capturing not only the songs themselves but also their background stories for archival purposes. Using portable recording equipment, Jessie aims to preserve the authenticity and intimacy of Nayama's performances in her home environment.
The ultimate goal of the project is to create a comprehensive collection featuring lyrics, musical scores, and narratives for each song. This unique songbook will be deposited into the AIATSIS archives and made accessible online, ensuring that these invaluable cultural treasures are preserved and shared with future generations.
Cultural Enrichment and Recognition
"Preserving these songs is essential to safeguarding our cultural heritage," remarked Jessie Lloyd. "Working closely with Nayama allows us to not only document her songs but also celebrate the resilience and creativity of Torres Strait Islanders."
The collaboration between Ilan Style and AIATSIS underscores a shared commitment to cultural preservation and Indigenous knowledge transmission. Ilan Style's support not only enriches cultural education but also enhances Nayama's visibility within the music industry, potentially opening doors for performances and broader recognition of Torres Strait cultural contributions.
"This project is a testament to Ilan Style's dedication to cultural enrichment," noted Kerry Arabena, Ilan Style Managing Director. "We are honoured to support Jessie Lloyd and Nayama Gabey in their efforts to preserve and promote Meriam cultural heritage."
This collaboration between Ilan Style and AIATSIS not only preserves cultural heritage but also sets a remarkable precedent for partnerships dedicated to the ongoing celebration and safeguarding of First Peoples' knowledges and traditions.
