JAYLA DAVEY NEWRY'S CREATIVE JOURNEY IS A TESTAMENT TO HER RESILIENCE, TALENT AND COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

Photo: Jayla Davey - Newry Credit: Cassandra Ariuu

Jayla Davey Newry, a remarkable talent hailing from the Miriuwung Gajerrong community, has made waves in the world of arts and entertainment. From her captivating presence as an MC at the Karjini Experience to her thought-provoking podcast, Jayla’s journey is one of passion, resilience, and creativity.

As the emcee for this year’s Karjini Experience, Jayla brought her unique flair to the festival. Her love for the event was palpable, and she immersed herself in the Banjyima culture. Jayla’s openness to learning from the local community enriched her experience, and she left with a deeper understanding of the land, its people, and its traditions. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and festival-goers were captivated by her storytelling and warm stage presence.

Despite being her first time at Karijini, Jayla felt right at home. The rugged beauty of the national park, the ancient gorges, and the star-studded night skies left an indelible mark on her. She expressed her desire to return next year as an emcee or simply to soak in the cultural richness and festival activities. Jayla’s genuine appreciation for the experience resonated with everyone she encountered.

‘‘The festival itself is amazing and to be able to emcee it and be there working it but also being able to indulge in the in the experience itself. That was all. I feel like I'm just saying, amazing over and over because I'm still in a bit of a whirlwind of it all. It was just such a deadly time. You know,’’. Said Jaylah Davey Newry.

Jayla’s latest venture is her podcast, “The Body’s Sovereignty.” Selected as one of 10 First Nations participants in Spotify’s Sound Up program, Jayla aims to explore autonomy over our bodies. She delves into topics like health literacy, self-care, and mental well-being through interviews. The podcast provides a safe space for blackfellas to share their experiences and learn from one another.