Milkumana

"Milkumana" is a song by Australian rock group King Stingray, released on 19 August 2021 as the third single from their self-titled debut studio album (2022). In Yolŋu Matha, "Milkumana" means to show, share or pass on knowledge through stories and song.^[1] Upon release, the group said the song is about "leadership" saying, "We are all living under the same sun, sailing in the same boat, towards a brighter future. It's about role models and the importance of setting good examples for the new generation."^[2]

"Milkumana"
Single by King Stingray
from the album King Stingray
Released	19 August 2021
Length	3:03
Label	Cooking Vinyl Australia
Songwriter(s)	Roy Kellaway Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu
Producer(s)	Roy Kellaway
King Stingray singles chronology
"Get Me Out" (2021) "Milkumana" (2021) "Camp Dog" (2022)
Music video
"Milkumana" on YouTube

At the J Awards of 2021, the song's video was nominated for Australian Video of the Year.^[3]

At the National Indigenous Music Awards 2022, the song won Song of the Year.^[4]

The song won first place in the 2022 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition.^[5]

At the APRA Music Awards of 2022, the song was shortlisted for Song of the Year.^[6] At the APRA Music Awards of 2023, the song was nominated for Most Performed Rock Work of the Year. ^[7]

Music video

The Roy Kellaway and Sam Brumby directed music video for 'Mikumana' was filmed in North East Arnhem Land and features elders Mangatjay Yunupingu and Malŋay Yunupingu, and puts their hometown of Yirrkala front and centre.^[2]

Critical reception

Sosefina Fuamoli from Music Feeds called it "another bright insight into the collective's tight grasp on music and its delivery. Blending English and Yolŋu in with uptempo rhythms and bright production, 'Milkumana' is an effortlessly charming and spirited offering from the young group who is properly making waves."^[2]

Triple J called it "a vibrant cut that pulses with some disco-leaning groove and an excellent, late chorus switch-up."^[1]

Track listings

Digital download/streaming

1. "Milkumana" – 3:04

7" LP single (limited edition) (CVLP1127)

1. "Milkumana" – 3:04
2. "Lupa" – 3:15

References

1. "King Stingray Single Video Milkumana Passing Knowledge". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 19 August 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
2. "Listen To King Stingray's Upbeat New Single, 'Milkumana'". Music Feeds. 19 August 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
3. Kelly, Vivienne (1 November 2021). "Triple j reveals J Awards nominees". The Music Network. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
4. "2022 NIMAs: Baker Boy Wins Two Awards, Archie Roach and Gurrumul Honoured". The Music Network. 6 August 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
5. "King Stingray nab the top gong and over $50k at global songwriting competition". MSN. 8 June 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
6. "2022 Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year shortlist revealed!". APRA AMCOS. 3 February 2022. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
7. "Nominees revealed for the 2023 APRA Music Awards". APRA Awards. 30 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.