The Aibai Sagulau Buai Cultural Group of Badu Island, Torres Strait (Badu Island Aibai Cultural Group) performs Torres Strait Islander music and dance that is deeply connected to the environment, culture and society of their island home in Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia. Aibai Sagulau Buai translates as ‘the dancing family of the sacred hill’.
Badu Island Aibai Cultural Group / Artistic overview
The Badu Island Aibai Cultural Group is lead by artistic directors Barry Nona, Denna Nona, Manuel Nomoa and Josephine Tipoti. They are cultural custodians of a wide repertoire of music and dance and represent all the clans of the Badulgal people. They are also Traditional Owners and have been involved in using their music and dance heritage to authenticate their Native Title claims to land and sea. Music and dance are very important to the Ailan Kastom (Island Custom) of Torres Strait Islander and the Aibai Cultural Group is proud to bring a bit of their culture to audiences.
Information /
Performing in the Kala Lagaw Ya language, the Badu Island Aibai Cultural Group presents secular and sacred music and dance, sharing their unique heritage as Indigenous Australians. They have performed at many local and regional community events in Torres Strait, such as weddings, carnivals, Tombstone Unveilings and other festivities. Professionally, they have toured in Western Australia and Queensland, including extended tours of schools, numerous community events and several folk festivals. They have performed at the Sea World Theme Park at the Gold Coast, the Judith Wright Theatre and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) at Brisbane, and the inaugural Dreaming Indigenous Festival at Woodford, as well as Native Title Hand-back Ceremonies on Badu Island.
