Thumping Tiwi Island R’n’B Band Gives Rare Insight into Culture Through Music
Announcement posted by The Art House 16 Jul 2018
B2M (standing for Bathurst to Melville) are a seven-piece Indigenous RnB band hailing from the Northern Territory’s Tiwi Islands, 80 kilometres north of Darwin where the Arafura Sea meets the Timor Sea. Formed in late December 2004, B2M are strong Tiwi men who write, sing and perform music that creates conversation across cultural, social and geographical boundaries. They do all of this through thumping rhythms, catchy melodies and an infectious energy which has left audiences all around the world on their feet.
Their show Mamanta – meaning ‘friend’ in Tiwi – presents a unique performance, Tiwi style! Accompanied by their new album, Mamanta will present a map of musical influences and explorations from around the world, while drawing on the rich local history of Tiwi Islands. Incorporating footage and imagery of contemporary Tiwi life, including church practice, football and influences from their art centres, Mamanta is a vibrant cultural experience told through a mix of dance, chants, song and film.
With such a strong tapestry of stories to draw from, including songlines that have never left the Tiwi Islands before, Mamanta will be unlike anything ever seen. If you’ve never had an opportunity to travel to the Tiwi Islands before, this show is sure to take you on an illuminating cultural journey.
Quotes About B2M - Mamanta
"B2M...wow, the music, the joy, the talent- it was contagious. It would have been a standing ovation that demanded an encore- but everyone was already on their feet dancing! We couldn't get enough of them!" Phaedra Watts, Artistic Director, Nannup Music Festival
"Their songs are infectious, unashamedly sentimental and often inspirational, shot through with the sort of close-knit vocal harmonies that come about through years of touring. B2M's values are solid, decent. Their dances are sexy but clean. You won't find a swear word here. These fellas are well aware of their status as role models to younger generations and as keepers of their communities' identity." The Guardian