JUNGLE BOOGIE

Ulster singer on Indonesian journey

A Singer-songwriter has brought the sound of Indonesia home to Northern Ireland – and it’s hitting all the right notes.

After spending six weeks in the jungle home of her musical friends, DANI – aka Danielle Carragher – is now showing the experimental ethnic beat duo the best this country has to offer.

The 27-year-old from Co Armagh has been joined by Kunokini – Astari “Beby” Achiel and Adhi Bismo Wirhaspati – at a number of festivals this month.

But the trio are planning to round off the season with Belfast gigs at The Strand Arts Centre tomorrow and the Mela and Black Box Full Moon Festival on Sunday.

DANI said: “My music is inspired by traditional Irish melodies, but my time in Java helped to shape me as a musician and discover the kind of music I really wanted to write.

“Northern Ireland and Indonesia are in ways culturally similar – with a love of traditional instruments and the use of music as a form of self-expression – they also share the ability to story-tell through folklore and both have a deep respect and connection to the land.

“The residency was a very transformative experience for me and I knew that I wanted to continue the collaboration – I therefore went back to Indonesia in December to reconnect with Kunokini before being lucky enough to bring them to Northern Ireland.”

The singer-songwriter first met the duo in summer 2017 as part of a British Council residency programme. She then spent six weeks in their Indonesian jungle home alongside Bristol-based multi-instrumentalist Laura Kidd of She Makes War.

DANI added: “It was musically refreshing to be around amazing musicians like Kunokini and I was fortunate enough to learn new instruments including their traditional two-headed drum – the Kendang – and I hope to weave these traditional sounds in to my own music.”

Jonathan Stewart, director of the British Council Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to see creative connections and international links flourish as a result of our residency programmes and Danielle has to be commended for bringing the wonderfully talented Kunokini to Northern Ireland.”

Places for tomorrow’s show at the Strand are limited, so booking is advised at www.strandartscentre.com.