Entertainment
27 September, 2026
Artist follows own path
EMERGING Djabugay/Kuku Yalanji artist Ciolla Riley has stepped into a new chapter as OLLAX, with the release of her debut single, “Bagarra Bandjil”.
Bagarra Bandjil, meaning “rainforest woman” in the Djabugay language, draws on OLLAX’s connection to Country, culture and community while exploring themes of strength, confidence and independence.
The Kuranda artist said the track offered a personal insight into her experiences and the confidence she was gaining.
“I really love the song because of the sound and the creative flow I found while writing the lyrics, as well as the connections I formed with everyone involved in producing the track and making the film.
“I think it gives an insight into my perspective on certain situations in my life – the decisions I make, my outlook on things and the strength and confidence I’m finding in myself as an Indigenous woman and as an individual trying to navigate my own path. “It has my own vibe and feels authentic to who I am – someone who loves rhythm, spoken word and pretty much every form of creativity.”
Coming from the village of Kuranda in Far North Queensland, OLLAX has developed over years of creative work with Desert Pea Media, progressing from a young participant to a songwriter, performer, mentor and creative facilitator.
The release marks her first as an emerging independent artist.
An accompanying music video was directed, shot and edited by Desert Pea Media’s Toby Finlayson and features OLLAX’s family, community and Country.
The release also reflects Ciolla’s long involvement with Desert Pea Media projects in Kuranda, where she has increasingly taken on creative and leadership roles, worked alongside younger participants, and continued to develop her own artistic practice.
Bagarra Bandjil was produced and engineered by Agnus Beats and Hazy Beats, marking the start of OLLAX’s journey as an independent artist.
