The Department of Tourism and Culture’s Araluen Arts Centre is excited to present B2M (Bathurst to Melville), a seven-piece band from the Tiwi Islands, as part of their first major national tour this October.

“We are pleased to present B2M – Mamanta on the Araluen stage, as they showcase their unique blend of contemporary and traditional sound in a new performance that reveals the full breadth of Tiwi culture and identity,” Senior Director of the Department of Tourism and Culture’s Araluen Cultural Precinct, Dr Mark Crees said.

“Mamanta – meaning ‘friend’ in Tiwi – is a vibrant cultural experience told through a mix of music, multi-media and song. In an historic show of support from the Tiwi Elders, B2M have permission to use traditional Tiwi chants and blend them with modern musical elements. Combined with vivid multi-media imagery of contemporary arts and cultural practices, Mamanta brings the Tiwi Islands to life.

“This tour builds on the band’s international acclaim that includes a review by the Huffington Post comparing them to the Backstreet Boy and Boys2Men.

“Drawing on a strong tapestry of stories, including our own songlines that have never left the Tiwi Islands before, Mamanta is unlike anything ever seen. We have never created a show that shares our experience this fully,” said band member Jeffrey ‘Yello’ Simon.

“Like the paintings that reflect the depiction of country, our songlines demonstrate our journeys, our history and our community” Yello said.

Formed in 2004, B2M are strong Tiwi men who write, record and perform music that transcends cultural, social and geographic boundaries. Their music is unique and infectious, filled with beats, chants and harmonies that showcase their ability to carry a positive image of their people and culture through RnB, Tiwi style!

“For us, the message that B2M shares is the most important facet of our music. Steering clear of catchy love-songs, we focus on bigger issues, like drug and alcohol abuse, mental health and understanding identity”, Yello said.

Mamanta is a rare gift to audiences and is a captivating, moving and upbeat work that shares Tiwi history, culture and identity with the nation.

B2M – Mamanta, directed by Gail Evans and produced by Artback NT and Skinnyfish Music, will be live onstage at the Araluen Arts Centre on Friday 12 October at 8:00pm.

Ticket prices are $49.00 for adults, $45.00 for concession and $42.00 for Araluen Arts Centre Members.

Tickets are available online at www.araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au or from the Araluen Box Office on (08) 8951 1122.

Media interview
Araluen Cultural Precinct Director, Dr Mark Crees.

Media Contact
Department of Tourism and Culture Media Officer 0447 130 495