Benjamin Wilfred

Young Wagilak Group - Yidaki (didjeridu) / Voice/ Bilma (clapsticks)

Image: Tobias Titz May 2010

Skin Name: Wamut
Clan: Wagilak
Mother’s Name: Dolly
Father’s Name: Old Cooky
Language: Rittarranghu
Place: Nilipidgi

The leader of the Young Wagilak Group. Benjamin grew up in Ngukurr and is the Grandson of artist Sambo Burabura, who taught Benjamin about ceremony and culture. Benjamin is a ranger in Ngukurr and is responsible for ceremony in Ngukurr and the surrounding region as far as Groote Eylandt. His wife is Marcia and his children are Maxine, Talysha, Rodney and John.

The Wagilak Gujarra/Nyilapidgi (stone spear group) are leaders in the performance of Wagilak manikay or song cycles and dance. This Young Wagilak Group is based in Ngukurr, NT, from where they travel to outlying regions to perform their roles in various ceremonial functions. Through their performances for Crossing Roper Bar they have allowed people further afield to learn about their culture while showing a way forward for young people wishing to engage with the traditions of the living Elders and their ancestors.