AB MUSIC CANCELS STUDENT’S DIPLOMA

 A student of Djinda Boodja, formerly known as Ab Music, was asked to take leave after a disagreement over a performance collaboration she did in her own time with a former lecturer.

Nyiyarparli musician Ashonique Coffin sent a letter of complaint to the Djinda Boodja lecturers on March 21.

“They had performances going on in the school, which was on the 15th of March, it was for all students and I had been excluded from that event. Like, every other person, teacher, everyone was there,” she said. 

“They called a meeting with the lecturers and I brought my Nanna along, the next day I came back after we spoke with them and they told me I had to take leave.”

Ms Coffin said her diploma in Music Industry which she was supposed to complete in September this year had been canceled.

“And I just feel like it was because I did the gig, or because I put in a complaint. They have canceled my diploma now, and they said they wish me all the best in my future endeavors.”

Kija man Mark Bin Barker founded Ab Music in 1986.

The name was changed to Djinda Boodja, which is Noongar for “Star Country”, in 2020. 

Ngaarda Media has contacted Djinda Boodja numerous times for comment.

While he stressed that he had no knowledge of the current organisation or who ran it, Mr Bin Bakar said he was not happy that it had changed its purpose.

“For me the biggest concern is that AB music has gone on to be something else,” he said. 

“And the investment that went into those recording studios and rehearsal studios. And how complex is the memory of Leon Feehon. It’s a sad, sad state to be in. I was disappointed with the previous board that moved AB Music on, and I think it’s a sad shame.”