Blekbala Mujik were formed in 1986 in the rural community of
Barunga (Gulin-Gulin) in central
Arnhem Land. The founding member, Peter Miller on vocals and guitar, lives in
Alice Springs, and was a member of the
Northern Land Council. The band sings partly in
English and partly in
Kriol, which is a
creole language based on
English and
Australian Aboriginal languages.
Blekbala mujik means "blackfella music" in Kriol. The group signed with
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA) and, in 1990, they issued two albums,
Nitmiluk and
Midnait Mujik. In 1993 they issued a seven-track
cassette,
Come-N-Dance. Alongside Miller other members have included Dwayne Billy on percussion (
clapsticks), Johnny Blanasi on lead guitar, Jason Fuller on percussion (clapsticks), Lachlan Gela Lawrence on bass guitar and vocals, Wayne Kala Kala on drums, Allen Murphy on drums (ex-
Warumpi Band, Village People,
Yothu Yindi), Lazarus Murray on yidaki (see
didjeridoo) and Thomas Valandhu on drums. In June 1997 they issued "Walking Together" as a CD single. In February 2013 they issued a new album,
We Are One, and followed with a compilation, live album,
Greatest Hits Live, in September 2014. ==Band members==