Abebe – Butterfly Song

In 1986, Melbourne musician David Bridie of the groups Not Drowning, Waving and My Friend the Chocolate Cake travelled to Papua New Guinea, where he heard the heartfelt sounds of George Telek and the Moab Stringband’s song Abebe (Butterfly Song) on board a bus. It marked the beginning of Bridie’s profound fascination with the nation and its rich culture, and a bond with Telek that would last more than 30 years. Together, their collaboration on critically acclaimed albums and tours has helped amplify Papuan string-band sounds and languages, like Tok Pisin and Kuanua, outside the country. With sensitivity and skill, documentarian Rosie Jones (The Family, Antenna 2016; The Triangle Wars, Antenna 2011) has crafted a meaningful portrait, not only of two passionate musicians from different backgrounds, but also of the cross-cultural artistic exchange between Australia and one of its closest neighbours.

Co-presented with Groovescooter