Taba Naba

One of our best-loved and well-known tunes, “Taba Naba” is a traditional song originating from the Eastern Islands in the Torres Strait.

It is sung in the language of Meriam Mir and describes the everyday activity of going out to the reef to fish. Taba Naba is popular throughout Australia and the rest of the world thanks to renditions by the iconic Mills Sisters and children’s entertainers The Wiggles.

Taba Naba is a joyful song and is usually accompanied by a “sit down” dance. The traditional movements by the dancers correspond to the songs lyrics.

TABA NABA

Taba naba naba norem,

Tugei pe neiser mi, dinghy ge nabatre,

Mi ko kei miserer em nebewem,

Taba naba norem

Come let us go the reef,

While morning tide is low, let us go in the dinghy,

Let us go to the edge of the reef,

Come let us go the reef

Children at our Strait Start program singing Taba Naba with their teachers, parents and carers.