In the remote Gulf town of Doomadgee, located nearly 1,000 kilometers west of Cairns on Gangalidda Country, a group of young men are transforming stories of language and country into music. The band, known as the DMC Boys, has recently launched their debut EP, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of their community.
“We want to represent our community and encourage young people here and in other communities to get up and have a go,” said lead singer Elijah Douglas. The DMC Boys, short for Doomadgee Mission Community, have crafted a collection of songs that draw from the Gangalidda people’s stories, sung in both their native language and English.
The Journey to Music
For Elijah Douglas, the journey began two years ago with a lyric that resonated deeply within him. “Dangga yingga baruwa dila wirdi,” he recounted, translating to “Pelican, a man in The Dreaming” in English. This line became the opening of the band’s first single, “Pelican,” featured on their EP titled Yugurlda People, a nod to the traditional name of the Gangalidda people.
The majority of the DMC Boys, including Douglas on lead vocals, Jeffrey Dumaji on bass, Ashley Dumaji on drums and backing vocals, and Ronald Bismarck on drums and vocals, are childhood friends who grew up playing sports together. They had always dreamed of making music but had no formal training.
Learning from Scratch
Aside from Tommy Lee Jack, who plays lead guitar and serves as a mentor, none of the band members had played an instrument before forming the group. “We had to learn everything on the go,” Douglas explained. Their learning took place over two years at the Doomadgee Youth Hub’s community recording studio, a council-run space that became the heart of their creative process.
Musician Dale Mallett, known for his work with The Floating Bridges and Mufassa & the Pride, has been a pivotal mentor since meeting the group in 2019. “Elijah came in with stories he wanted to turn into songs,” Mallett said. Through the Dreamtime Music Project, Mallett has helped transform the band from novices to performers.
“Ashley Dumaji couldn’t play a beat at the start,” Mallett noted. “Two months later, he was the drummer.”
The band recorded their EP in Doomadgee before traveling to the Sunshine Coast last year to complete the final mixing.
Community Support and Future Plans
The band’s hometown community of Doomadgee, with a population of fewer than 1,500, has warmly embraced the DMC Boys. Upon returning from the Sunshine Coast, they were greeted at the airport by locals with signs and cheers, a testament to their growing local fame.
The DMC Boys are gaining experience performing in nearby communities such as Burketown. They are also working on new music, with plans to release another EP and an album this year. The band aspires to travel to remote Mornington Island to mentor other young musicians, much like Mallett has done for them.
Blending Tradition with Modernity
The DMC Boys’ sound is a unique blend of Indigenous rock and reggae influences, reflecting both their cultural roots and contemporary identity. “We think our sound is unique. We just want to get out there and share it,” Douglas said.
For the band, the journey is not about seeking fame but about instilling pride in their community. “We want to represent Doomadgee,” Douglas emphasized. “And encourage young people to have a go at something they’re interested in — because it might take you somewhere.”
As the DMC Boys continue to develop their musical talents and share their cultural stories, they stand as a beacon of inspiration for young people in Doomadgee and beyond.
