Desert Pea Media is very proud to present a new collaboration with the community of Jabiru, NT. A mining and services town in the centre of dual-world heritage listed Kakadu National Park.  The community of Jabiru is also considered 'the gateway to Arnhem Land'.

This production was created in September of 2020 - an outcome of a unique, collaborative creative process between Desert Pea Media, Red Lily Health (a local Indigenous-led Health Service) and an incredibly talented group of students at the Jabiru Area School, who represent several clan groups of Kakadu and Arnhem Land. Also involved were local community members, elders, artists, and community organisations.

The overall purpose of the broader project was to facilitate an important, inter-generational conversation about social and emotional well-being for Original Nations young people. Focusing on cultural identity, health and positive choices.

Desert Pea Media projects involve a dialogue-based storytelling process that encourages participants to analyze 'the real', 'the ideal' and 'the bridge'. In simple terms this means critically thinking about how to create positive change for yourself, for each other and for our communities.

'Mayali' is the Gundjeihmi/Kunwinjku word for 'cultural knowledge' and is used by several  language groups in the region.  The song was co-directed/written by and features Victor Rostron of Wildfire Munwurrk Band..

KAKADU COLLECTIVE - MAYALI ft. VICTOR ROSTRON

This song was created as part of a four week Desert Pea Media mentoring program in the remote desert community of Wutunugurra (otherwise known as Epenarra) in Australia's Northern Territory in 2013.

A partnership between DPM and Barkly Shire CDEP, the project focused on two major programs in Alyawarr Country - Wutunugurra and Ampilatwatja NT, spanning two months in total.

The outcomes will be released in October 2013 on an limited release EP/DVD publication titled 'The Alyawarr Sessions', which will be circulated around Alyawarr communities free of charge. The package includes a 16 page booklet that documents the community songwriting process, and some cultural information about the focus areas.

Here is a section of text from the booklet focusing on this particular production -

The people of the Alyawarr Aboriginal language group have lived on the edge of the Simpson Desert in the Northern Territory for thousands of generations. Alyawarr language is spoken north west of Alice Springs, in the Utopia homelands, Ammaroo (Ampilatwatja), Wutunugurra (Epenarra), Murray Downs, Alekarenge, Canteen Creek, Alpurruralum (Lake Nash) and also Tennant Creek.

The Alyawarr belief system comes from a complex network of story, song, dance, place, family and a deep connection to country. Storytelling has always been an intrinsic part of Alyawarr culture.

DPM arrived in Wutunugurra on Monday the 27th June, 2013.

Due to the very popular local AFL carnivals happening at this time, the process of engaging community members was slow and frustrating, but that's sometimes how life is in the desert. Seven days in, we were still trying to engage participants of the target age group for the first production.

We were eventually introduced to a local community leader, who in turn introduced us to a group of young men we had not yet seen in the community. Bandanas, baseball caps and basketball singlets were the flavour, as ten guys emerged from a house looking like something out of a Cypress Hill video.

The crew was very enthusiastic, and we arranged to meet that afternoon to start writing the first song. The contemporary music from every DPM project is always based on original compositions, reflecting the wishes and tastes of the participants. Music composer and producer Joel Westlake enquired about their preferred style of hip-hop music. To his surprise, they quickly replied -- "Mexican".

While we were not previously overly familiar with Mexican hip hop, let it never be said that DPM backs down from a challenge. 'The Good, the Bad and the Dusty' is a fusion of Mexican, indigenous and spaghetti western style hip-hop. This is a song about celebrating local culture, respect, and the importance of listening to elders in order to understand and connect with your cultural identity.

Produced and Directed by Toby Finlayson
Written by Toby Finlayson and Joel 'Roc West' Westlake
Music written and produced by Joel 'Roc West' Westlake
Music video shot, directed and edited by Toby Finlayson
Choreography by Gail Mabo
Audio Mixing/ Mastering by David Nicholas 

The Hill Boyz - 'The Good The Bad & The Dusty'

This project involved four days of Desert Pea Media workshops in Condobolin, NSW, where young people create a dialogue around local social and cultural issues and then write and record an original song and make a music video.

The workshops began with a visit from local elder Bonnie Merritt, who was interviewed by the Desert Pea Media crew about local social and cultural history.  This material was then incorporated into the brainstorming process and informed the story of the song.

During this process, young people identified the impacts of social and political history on health and disease today.  They noted the impact of the ration system (flour, sugar, rice, tea, butter) on today's diet - also the effects of poverty, trauma, depression and isolation on today's levels of health and chronic disease.

The song talks about the necessity to find pride in cultural identity.  To learn of your cultural history, and the role of young people to define today's culture in a vibrant, proud and healthy way.

The Condo Crew- 'Who I Am'

A Desert Pea Media crew ft. Toby Finlayson, Gail Mabo and Joel Westlake – recently returned from the first leg of projects in Song Nation 2013.  Now in its third year DPM and the Smugglers of Light Foundation bring yet another series of boutique songwriting projects to regional and remote communities around Australia. In four days, the DPM crew facilitate the process of writing/ creating/ recording and shooting a professional song and music video with local young people.  The song the advocates awareness of social and cultural issues and brings people together to celebrate identity, community and culture.

This year we have partnered with UN Ltd – an organization funding social entrepreneurs that work with disadvantaged young people. For the first time Song Nation goes national – if you know an organization in remote or regional communities who is enthusiastic about hosting a Song Nation project in 2014 – contact us today.
THURSDAY ISLAND

The first leg of the tour was hosted by the good people at Tagai State College on Thursday Island QLD, and featured young people from several islands in the Torres Strait. Thursday Island lies 39 km north of the Cape York Peninsula in the Torres Strait and has a population of around 2,500 people.  Many of the local people come from islands all across the Torres Strait, each with their own cultural systems, languages and
The song from Thursday Island is Tagai Buway – ‘Culture Remainz’ is about celebrating the strength and continuation of TSI culture.  The song is written in dialects and languages from all major areas in the region, and the video was shot over two days on the spectacular Friday Island.  Reports from the community are very positive.

Tagai Buway - 'Culture Remainz'

Produced as part of a four-day Desert Pea Media mentoring program with young people from Apollo Estate in Dubbo NSW.

The project looked at creating dialogue around local social and cultural issues, but most importantly it also looked at the hopes and aspirations of young people and their dreams for the future.

Every kid has amazing potential and ABILITY TO ACHIEVE if given the encouragement and opportunity, and pride in themselves. Thanks to the amazing Apollo kids who stepped up and had the courage to try something new.

Hosted by the wonderful people at Apollo House in The Apollo Estate. The project was proudly supported by the Resilience Active Community Partnership between by Leader in Development, Housing NSW and NSW Western Local Health District, along with Centacare, Communities for Children. 

Special thanks to the people of the Wiradjuri, all the old people from Talbragar Mission and special thanks to our uncle Riverbank Frank.

Dub Vegas - 'Ability To Dream'

Produced as part of a four-day Desert Pea Media mentoring program with young people at Walgett High School in Walgett NSW.

This song looks at local culture and social issues, acknowledging the bleak history in Australian indigenous communities  and celebrating cultural resilience.

Funded by Outback Arts, Kids Excel and Walgett Shire Council.

Thanks to Anne Dennis from the local Aboriginal Lands Council and Susan Lawrence for their support.

Rosalyn McGregor for her strength and her love for the kids and the community, also James Pike for volunteering his time and enthusiasm.

Once again, Musical Director Roc West on the beats and singing tutoring.

Toby Finlayson on the lyric workshops, camera and editing.

The Walgett Warriors - 'Get Movin'

In the initial brainstorming, we identified that the production should focus on CELEBRATING Alyawarr culture - encouraging people to learn and teach the future generations - whilst also re-engaging disengaged young people through popular culture such as hip hop and film.  Using the new to teach the old.

Everyone agreed that a strong sense of pride in self, culture and identity will directly affect the cycles of social disadvantage that are painfully prevalent in the Northern Territory - mental illness, alcoholism, substance abuse, incarceration.  Through connecting to culture and country - learning the stories and songs of our ancestors - we find strength in self and the confidence to lead our people to a more positive future.

For us, the first step was to use lyrics to 'paint a picture' of Alyawarr lifestyle before European settlement, and capture the beauty and majesty of local culture and country.  

Upon consulting with a group of senior elders about cultural pride and traditional story, it was decided, to our amazement, that a rare and powerful community ceremony would be held that week, a cultural event that celebrates the continuing strength and resilience of Alyawarr culture today, and the beautiful and vibrant tradition of Alyawarr storytelling.  

After THREE days of preparation and FIVE hours of continuous chanting by a group of elders as they wove the tapestry of the story - a group of Alyawarr men danced the dance of the Emu Dreaming, for the first time in a decade.  The dance was led by our program participants - for many it was the first time they had ever been involved in this particular ceremony. 

It was a truly extraordinary, powerful and very beautiful event.

The song 'Fly Back Home' is a fusion of contemporary and traditional story that samples on-location recordings of the sacred ceremony of the Emu Dreaming.  It is difficult to put to words the honor and gratitude that we all felt to be a part of that moment.  The friendships and trust that we shared with the people in Ampilatwatja are strong and life-long.

Desert Sevenz - 'Fly Back Home'

a percussive hip hop/dub exploration of Original Nations sounds and culture, created as part of a big conversation about social and cultural issues, knowledge and education and social & cultural change.  Produced by the prolific in-house DPM Producer, HAZY (JK47, Boy of Many Colours, Hammy, MELA-D, Boomalli and many more) released through Desert Pea Media. The production fuses traditional culture and knowledge with solutions-focused storytelling and is a rare and insightful piece of knowledge sharing from the community.

Gumbaynggirr Collective - Through The Smoke

This song was created as part of a four week Desert Pea Media mentoring program in the remote desert community of Ampilatwatja in Australia's Northern Territory in 2013.

A partnership between DPM and Barkly Shire CDEP, the project focused on two major programs in Alyawarr Country - Wutunugurra and Ampilatwatja NT, spanning two months in total.

The outcomes will be released in October 2013 on an limited release EP/DVD publication titled 'The Alyawarr Sessions', which will be circulated around Alyawarr communities free of charge. The package includes a 16 page booklet that documents the community songwriting process, and some cultural information about the focus areas.

Here is a section of text from the booklet focusing on this particular production -

The people of the Alyawarr Aboriginal language group have lived on the edge of the Simpson Desert in the Northern Territory for thousands of generations. Alyawarr language is spoken north west of Alice Springs, in the Utopia homelands, Ammaroo (Ampilatwatja), Wutunugurra (Epenarra), Murray Downs, Alekarenge, Canteen Creek, Alpurruralum (Lake Nash) and also Tennant Creek.

The Alyawarr belief system comes from a complex network of story, song, dance, place, family and a deep connection to country.  Storytelling has always been an intrinsic part of Alyawarr culture.

The Desert Sevenz are a group of 10-15 local Ampilatwatja men, who take their name from a particularly dangerous traditional weapon.  A 'seven' is a boomerang carved from the strongest hardwood in the rough shape of the number 7, and is used by men during conflict and ceremony.

When working with the Desert Sevenz, as with all the other community groups we work with, DPM aimed to:

1. Use words, music and images to create a dialogue and look at solutions to local social and cultural issues; 
2. Train participants in community engagement, leadership and media production; and
3. Create an inclusive community production to inspire and empower.

Desert Pea Media follows a grassroots cultural process. In the first few days in Ampilatwatja with the Desert Sevenz, we sat with a number of local elders and community leaders, and made time to explain our business.  

Several senior community members spoke passionately about education and culture. They were encouraging of the need for regular school attendance for young people, but also identified the equal need for cultural education in a young person's development, (ie. bush skills, song and dance and personal cultural identity).  They called it 'Two Ways".

In the DPM-led workshops that followed these meetings with elders and community leaders, the young participants recounted their experiences, and their regrets about not attending school regularly in their past. This inconsistent school attendance has created issues in the community with literacy and English skills and, as a result, a general lack of confidence in communicating with non-Indigenous people.  

The song 'Two Wayz' is a message to young Alyawarr people to find balance in your life, and make the right decisions for your future.

The Desert Sevenz - 'Two Wayz'

NERVE x DESERT PEA MEDIA x KDA CREW - Djabuganydji Bama [NERVE REMIX]

Ground-breaking Australian community media mob - DESERT PEA MEDIA is coming in HARD with their 20 Year Anniversary Project – ‘RE-IMAGINE NATION’.  A ‘remix album’ of hip-hop/ soul/ reggae tunes written with young Indigenous people and communities around the country over two decades.

The lead single ‘Mayali’ drops on December 9 and features Arnhem Land knowledge holder and Kunè Songman – Victor Rostron, of WILDFIRE MUNWURRK BAND - remixed by Australian Bass Producer CHESHIRE, an evocative and uplifting anthem - fusing funky brass and pulsing rhythms with the ancient sounds of Indigenous song-lines and cultural stories from young people from Jabiru NT.

Cheshire x Kakadu Collective x Desert Pea Media - Mayali ft. Victor Rostron [CHESHIRE REMIX]

Today we remember Indigenous rapper, youth worker and artist - ‘Boomalli’ with a new, previously unreleased single ‘The Come Back’.  Out now on all platforms.

Micheal Graham aka ‘Boomalli’ was a talented Kamileroi rapper from Collarenebri NSW – who tragically passed away on the 22nd November, 2020 – almost two years ago.  

‘The Come Back’ was discovered on a lost hard drive by Sydney-based Producer ‘Hazy’.  The, loving friend, mentor and in-house Music Producer for charity organisation Desert Pea Media recorded the track in a Sydney studio back in 2018, before the release of Boomali’s debut album ‘The Promise’

“This tune popped like magic after a string of events where it felt like Mick was reaching out.  Releasing this tune on this week feels so right.” – Josh Nicholas aka ‘Hazy’

This song is dedicated to all the Colly Crew, The Mob on the Walli Reserve in Collarenebri, his mum and dad, all his family and his beautiful daughter Zara. Never forgotten.  Love ya bra.

BOOMALLI & HAZY - THE COME BACK

Charity organisation DESERT PEA MEDIA (DPM) teams up with BLKMPIRE on the Third Single ‘My Generation ft. FLEWNT [RE-IMAGINED] from DPM’s upcoming 20yr Anniversary Album 'Desert Pea Media Presents: Re-Imagine Nation’.

This electrifying collaboration brings together some of the biggest names in the contemporary Indigenous music scene, produced by and featuring Adelaide-based hip-hop stalwart, rapper, producer, and multi-disciplinary creative JIMBLAH (Larrakia), indie/pop songstress TILLY TJALA THOMAS (Nukunu), and Perth-based rap lord FLEWNT (Noongar).

Desert Pea Media is an OG within the Australian Community & Cultural Development sector – having worked on over 187 community media projects in 87 Indigenous communities. They’ve even picked up SIX National Indigenous Music Awards, attracted 5.4 million views on their Youtube Channel and have a huge rep for creating pathways to celebrate Indigenous culture, and safe spaces for young people to express themselves and find their voice.

“I'm extremely grateful for Desert Pea Media and the work they have committed to, where Community & Country are concerned, so to be able to partner up on this project has been a blessing”. - JIMBLAH (BLKMPIRE)

This reimagined version of Desert Pea Media's 2018 release "My Generation" by the B-Town Warriors (Bourke, NSW) fuses hip-hop, electronic, and soul elements, delivering a hopeful message about unity and a brighter future.

"When I first heard the original B-Town Warriors track, I was inspired by the strong voices, and Uncle Clancy McKellar speaking about this big Country, and that we are all here now, so we have to work together." – JIMBLAH (BLKMPIRE)

FLEWNT, known for his critically acclaimed EP "FLEWNTWORLD", delivers a standout performance, while TILLY TJALA THOMAS & JIMBLAH add an evocative, emotive, melodic touch to the track. The release of ‘My Generation ft. FLEWNT [RE-IMAGINED]’ highlights the shared vision of DPM and BLKMPIRE and commitment to supporting and celebrating diverse voices in the music industry.

“As a nation, it’s time to embrace Indigenous knowledge, story, and song in a respectful and holistic way. It’s the only way forward.” Toby Finlayson – Creative Director/ Co-Founder of DPM

‘RE-IMAGINE NATION’, with funding support from Create NSW - brings together some huge Australian artists such as NERVE, PLUTONIC LAB, JIMBLAH, TRUE VIBENATION, CHESHIRE, BUMBLE, JUMAN, HAZY and more – remixing tunes from B-TOWN WARRIORS, KDA CREW, THE MOB and many more. Coming to you in 2023.

BLKMPIRE x DESERT PEA MEDIA x JIMBLAH x TILLY TJALA THOMAS - MY GENERATION ft. FLEWNT [RE-IMAGINED]

THE BLACK TRUTH - THERE'S STILL HOPE

Desert Pea Media are very proud to announce the long-awaited release of a collaborative film production with JALI LALC and Bundjalung community members from Cabbage Tree Island on the North Coast of NSW.  

The Cabbage Tree Island community has faced tremendous, ongoing hardship as the result of traumatic flood events across the region in 2022, forcing it's Indigenous community into temporary housing, while the ‘Cabbo’ community is completely rebuilt.

Initially invited to work with the ‘Cabbo’ community by JALI LALC on a short film/ documentary project title ‘NGUMBINY (HOME)’ – the project was so successful that the community acquired funding from NSW Government Regional NSW Children & Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative to produce a song/ music video that focused on the perspectives of young people. 

The song, 'Wanna Go Home,' is a powerful, evocative reflection of the community's experience and highlights the strength and resilience of the young people of Cabbage Tree Island. Collaboratively written and produced by Desert Pea Media (featuring music by Adelaide-based artist JIMBLAH).

The projects have been made possible through the support of Jali Aboriginal Land Council, Desert Pea Media, NSW Government (Regional NSW Children & Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative), NSW Dept Aboriginal Affairs, Ballina Coast High School, M&K Business Solutions and Rous County Council.

Cabbo Crew - 'Wanna Go Home'

Charity organisation Desert Pea Media (DPM) collaborate with Wiradjuri Young People from Trangie and Narromine, NSW on a captivating new production: 'On The Shoulders' by Wungunja Warriors.

Wungunja Warriors - 'On The Shoulders'

Soulful Ngyambul/Bundjalung rapper STOOZ releases debut single HOLD IT DOWN alongside DESERT PEA MEDIA.
 
Release Date: 12th Sep 2025
Up-and-coming (19yr old) Indigenous hip hop artist Stewart Kapeen (aka STOOZ) releases debut single HOLD IT DOWN – produced by the prolific AGNUS BEATS (The Kid Laroi, JK-47 & Jay Orient, Oliver Cronin, Logan, ECB) – presented by creative community organisation, Desert Pea Media.

'Hold it Down' is the debut single from this talented Ngyambul/Bundjalung songwriter/singer/rapper from Ballina NSW. This nostalgic, evocative anthem is the first of many offerings from STOOZ - an exciting new voice in contemporary Australian music.

"This story has a lot of meaning for me. It was difficult to put it in a song tbh. It's really my life story - and these lyrics come from a deep and special place. It’s about family struggles and becoming a better person - not just for me but for my whole mob" - STOOZ

The music video - Co-Directed by STOOZ and Directed, Shot and Edited by Toby Finlayson (Desert Pea Media's Co-Founder/ Creative Director), was shot on home turf – surrounded by Stewart’s family in Ballina NSW (May 2025). 

"The film itself is a representation of Stooz’s story - anchored by his connection to family, to Ngyambul/Bundjalung country and his ambition to be a positive role model for his people." Toby Finlayson – DPM CEO/Creative Director

Desert Pea Media is an OG non-profit community media organisation. Delivering over 200 Indigenous music & media projects in 90 communities around Australia over 23 years.  DPM has SIX National Indigenous Music Awards and over 6 million views on their Youtube Channel.

DPM Futures is an exciting new project - thanks to funding from Create NSW, DPM mentored/supported FOUR emerging creatives over 12 months in 2024/25 –deepening creative practice, expanding professional skills/resources, and incorporating new wellbeing practices into the mix. 

STOOZ's debut single HOLD IT DOWN is the first of many upcoming releases from the DPM FUTURES PROGRAM. 

Stay tuned. 

CREDITS 
•	Stewart Kapeen aka STOOZ - Writer/ Performer 
•	Angus Hawkey – Producer & Recording/Mixing/Mastering Engineer
•	Toby Finlayson - Director/ DOP/ Editor/ Mentor/ Co-Writer 
•	Jannali Doncaster - Co-Writer/ Mentor 
•	Andy Finn – Film Editor 
•	Scott Large - General Manager/ Graphic Design


STOOZ - HOLD IT DOWN

The first single from MC Boomall's debut EP - 'Boomalli' which will be released on December 4th 2015.

'Boomalli' means 'strike with power' in his traditional language ('Gomeroi' from the black soil plains in Northwest NSW), and this diminutive, yet razor-sharp rapper has been doing just that...

Michael Graham aka MC Boomalli was only fourteen when Desert Pea Media (DPM) first arrived in Collarenebri, remote Northwest NSW. Now, five years later, he is ready to take on the world…

Since 2010 Mick has been involved in an ongoing DPM mentoring program and participated in discussions about real issues in his community, such as the effects of generational trauma, importance of cultural pride and, most importantly, creating a positive future for young Indigenous Australians.

This program has provided life-changing experiences; seven music/film productions with The Colli Crew, performing at the 2012 ARIA Awards, and selection in the DPM/UNICEF Australia All Stars who featured at the 2013 Yabun Festival.

“Desert Pea turned it around, gave us kids a reason to come to school and work together with each other instead if arguing and fighting one another.”

Mick was awarded the 2015 Australia Day ‘Young Citizen of the Year’ in recognition of his service as a Youth Worker and cultural ambassador, and this week was nominated as ‘Best New Talent’ in the 2015 National Indigenous Music Awards.

He has just finished recording his debut EP, simply titled ‘Boomalli’, to be released on December 4th, 2015. There’s something special about our young brother, and no doubt you’ll be seeing a lot more from Boomalli in times to come


Keeper Of The Word (feat. Tallulah Ambrose)

Boomalli – the hard-hitting Kamileroi hip-hop artist from the Walli Reserve is BACK.

Boomalli is the Kamileroi word for ‘Strike With Power’, and after a 5 year hiatus he is back on the scene with the first release from his long-awaited debut album ‘The Promise’ which drops January 24th, 2020 - just in time for Invasion Day, produced by Sydney-based music producer ‘Hazy’.

In all honesty – after what he’s been through recently, he’s lucky to be alive.  Managing a diagnosis of severe illness and tragic grief in his family - his debut album is a journey through the eyes of a survivor, and his first single ‘Where I’m From’ is an old school, dreamy, boom bap ballad for the people of the Barwon River.  Out on November 14 on DPM Records.

Boomalli kicked off his musical journey when he was just 14 years old, participating in a series of songwriting and music mentoring projects through charity organisation, Desert Pea Media.  The projects evolved to create ‘The Colli Crew’, a group of ‘diminutive yet razor-sharp’ rappers from the remote Indigenous community of Collarenebri in Northwest NSW.

He has since performed on stages around Australia, including Yabun Festival, NRL Indigenous All Stars games, even the ARIA Awards at Sydney Opera House in 2011.  He was awarded ‘Youth of the Year’ in the Walgett Shire in 2015 and has been working with Desert Pea Media as a mentor and music facilitator ever since.

‘The Promise’ is a commitment he made to his family, and his people to continue this journey.  To never give up, and to speak with the voice of his mob from the Walli Reserve.  Featuring some of the OG’s of the Australian Indigenous hip hop culture, and engineered by some of the greats, we are very excited for what is coming in January 2020.

10. I Got It

9. Breathe

8. Man

5. Fuck The System Ft. Declan Francis

3. The Definition Ft. Blackademiks

2. 100

1. Where Im From

⚫️New Media Charitable Org
🔴Original Nations Focus / Stories of Identity
🌕Creating Dialogue/ Social Change

Desert Pea Media

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