Ned David interviewed by William Kepa and Karl Neuenfeldt in the Torres Strait songs project [sound recording]

David Ned David raised on Yam-Iama Island, speaks about music and dance being a major part of his life; music and dance traditions being passed down by oral transmission; children being made to watch, and learn the dance and music; learning to dance as social and cultural entertainment; the songs and dances of the Torres Straits being about pearling, diving, crayfishing, warriors; railway songs and dances from men working on the mainland; the men composing the songs and dances, with collaboration for different parts; making 'playthings' (dance props), learnt from the elders by imitating them; the changes in materials used for dancing, was natural materials but now non-traditional materials; the younger generation showing little interest in the culture; Uncle Maigun [Merico Kebisu] being his role model; this project helping to revive culture; youth can watch a DVD whereas he had live role models; how songs are more than just songs, they are about the community; the importance of actions to Kores (songs); composing songs since his religious conversion (July 1994); the meaning of music and dance changing after conversion.