The Black Orchid String Band

The tragedy of West Papua and its peoples’ hopes for eventual independence is an ongoing daily struggle for the native Melanesian population, who have been persecuted and exploited since the 1960s by their Indonesian overlords. The Black Orchid String Band bring together a number of West Papuan freedom fighters who are currently living in exile in Australia's most multicultural of cities, Melbourne. Founded in 2011 to carry on the musical legacy of murdered Papuan activist and musician Arnold Ap, the ten-strong Black Orchid ensemble sing in a variety of West Papuan dialects, as well as in English and Tok Pisin (talk pidgin) – the shared Creole language of neighbouring Papua New Guinea.
The group's tight but easy-going vocal harmonies are their defining sound, similar in some ways to Hawaiian singing. Utilising guitars, ukuleles, a two-string bass and traditional tifa drums (closely related to the hourglass kundu drums), the combined vibe is one of relaxed island ambience, which sometimes belies the intense social politics of their beloved West Papuan homeland. Their lyrics address Melanesian creation myths, family, community and culture, as well as the never-ending push for independence. These are quiet songs of freedom, and the struggle continues.