ABC Kids have created a new lullaby to help families transition to quiet time and bedtime.
For more information, please read through the FAQs below.
Who is singing the lullaby?
This beautiful track was written, performed and produced by Troy Cassar-Daley. The lullaby has ties to Troy’s childhood and to camping on Gumbaynggirr country (his Nan’s / Mother’s country).
What is Ninganah Lullaby about?
For Troy Cassar-Daley the song is about camping as a kid with his cousins and being asked to settle down and go to sleep – which was always hard to do. It’s about trying to be quiet and still at night time, even though you’re excited.
Studio Gilay’s visual story for Ninganah Lullaby weaves both human and spirit entities into the story of a young boy (Djardi) who falls into a slightly surreal dream on a camping trip. In his dream he snuggles up on the back of a giant Squirrel Glider and soars above Country. Language, knowledge and kinship are entwined with plant, animal, sky and waterways. Lesser known (and endangered) animals around Bundjalung & Gumbaynggirr Country are featured throughout. The Goonge (Ghost) spirits are sleepy little dancers. Their choreography, a rhythmic hypnosis that washes sleepiness over the animals.
What language is the lullaby in?
Ninganah Lullaby includes Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr language: Bundjalung from Troy's Grandfather and Mother, and Gumbaynggirr from his Grandfather’s Father (born in Woolgoolga). Many shared words were used in Troy’s family, these are some of them.
Who created the artwork?
The animation was created by Studio Gilay, a production company made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists, writers, producers, directors and animators – working collectively to bring beautiful visuals and meaningful stories to screen.
What land was the lullaby created on?
Ninganah Lullaby was created on the lands of the Bundjalung and Gadigal people.
What are the lyrics?
Ninganah Lullaby - Troy Cassar-Daley (Mushroom Publishing)
Ninganah you jarjum (kids), ninganah you kids, the goonge* (ghost) will come give you a fright
Now please don’t be mugul (naughty), just close your eyes
Ninganah you jarjum goodnight
Hey jalaany barrway (big mouth) time for some sleep or the curlews may give you a fright
Tuck in your jinang (feet), and just close your eyes
Ninganah you jarjum goodnight
Ninganah you jarjum, ninganah you kids, the goonge will come give you a fright
Now please don’t be mugul, just close your eyes
Ninganah you jarjum goodnight
Ninganah you jarjum goodnight
Ninganah you jarjum goodnight
Ninganah you jarjum goodnight
* Goonge also known as Guunj originated in Dhanggati language (spelt guuyn in Dhanggati).
How can I watch the Ninganah lullaby?
You can watch all ABC Kids lullabies just before 7.30pm each night, or anytime on the ABC Kids app or ABC iview.
From 15-21 January Ninganah Lullaby will be played Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with the other ABC Kids lullabies on rotation on the other days, or anytime on the ABC Kids app or ABC iview.
Production Credits:
- Original Song: Troy Cassar-Daley (Bundjalung / Gumbaynggirr)
- Director: Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi / Mandandanji)
- Producer: Melissa Azizi
- Writer: Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi / Mandandanji)
- Executive Producer: Margaret Ross (Dhungutti / Gumbaynggirr)
- Commissioning Editor: Nicole Cheek
- Storyboard Artist: Emily Hestelow
- Animatic: Andy Summerfield
- Character Design: Emily Hestelow, Genevieve Stewart (Kuku Yalanji / Wemba Wemba)
- Compositor: Jalamara Towney (Wiradjuri), Emily Hestelow, Andy Summerfield
- 2D Animation: Andy Summerfield, Genevieve Stewart (Kuku Yalanji / Wemba Wemba), Emily Hestelow, Zoë Velonas
- 2D Rigger: Andy Summerfield
- Background Design: Zoë Velonas, Emily Hestelow
- Editor: Jake Duczynski (Gomeroi / Mandandanji), Jalamara Towney (Wiradjuri)
- Sound Mix: Matt Perrot (Mighty Sound)
- Special Thanks: James Hackett, Julie Long (Muurrbay Aboriginal Language & Culture Co-operative), Roxanne Brown, Emma Gibbs, Jo Boag.