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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. Australias Most Important Voice Rolling Stone Australia. "This album is an orchestral piece, so it's sheet music. Gurrumul is the personification of a cross-over artist, likewise, the filmmust cross back and forth between his Yolngu and the broader whitefella worlds." [19][20] He did not generally give interviews, instead relying on Hohnen to speak for him, following a Yolu custom that dictated that Yunupingu's role was only to sing, while his elders spoke publicly. In less than a decade, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu became Australias biggest-selling Indigenous musician. A mixture of traditional songs and new compositions, they reflect his background growing up in one of the most remote but beautiful parts of the continent. What made this situation unusual, though, was how it finished up. On 25 July 2017, Australia mourned the loss of one of its music greats. Its a clash of cultures, its a clash of world views, says Skinnyfish Music director and cofounder, Mark Grose. Gurrumuls second studio album, Rrakala (2011).Credit:Courtesy of ABC. The music kind of suits that being on the edge of two worlds and the feeling of how its not completely comfortable, says Hohnen. Skinnyfish lost a lot of money on that tour, but their relationship with the artist held and four years later, they were recording again. This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Short curly black hair frames his head. [55], The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. Gurrumul was no stranger to orchestral work, having released a live album in 2013 with the Sydney Symphony. He found purpose and meaning through songs inspired by his community and country in North East Arnhem Land. Critics . He was one of only two Australian performers at the Queens Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace. To see without seeing? They talk of their surprise and sorrow when they realised Gurrumul was blind, and their fears he would always have to stay close to home. "[29], In 2012, Yunupingu was one of the contributing vocalists on Gary Barlow's commemorative single "Sing" for Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee celebrations, which features artists from across the Commonwealth. The cover of Gurrumul's posthumous album, Djarimirri (2018).Credit:Courtesy of ABC. Where Djarimirri is different, though, is in its minimalism; Hohnen cites the likes of Michael Nyman, Steve Reich, Arvo Prt and Philip Glass as influences. This portrait of Gumatj man and musician Gurrumul is a large monotone painting. He was born blind, has never learned Braille and does not have a guide dog or use a white cane. He was placed on kidney dialysis in mid-2016, but Gurrumul, who'd been admitted to the intensive care unit at Royal Darwin Hospital seven times in the year leading up to his death, had started to refuse treatment. were a close unit, By his mid-teens he had joined Indigenous rock group Yothu Yindi and a little while later Hohnen convinced him to pursue a solo career. Hohnen, a classically trained bass player and co-founder of Skinnyfish Music, was among the first to recognise the unique qualities of Gurrumuls voice. [8] As of 2020, it is estimated that Yunupingu has sold half a million records globally. The cover of Gurrumuls eponymous studio album (2008). In a 2009 interview with him and Hohnen, Yunupingu said that he was generally shy but more comfortable playing music, and went on to say: "I don't have much to say to people when I talk. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present. "Bayini" by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (Rrawun D Maymuru), Michael Hohnen and Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu for, Ted Howard, Robin Mai & Matthew Cunliffe for, Helpmann Award for Best Australian Contemporary Concert, "Gathu Mawula" (featuring Blue King Brown), Label: Dramatico / Skinnyfish Music (0063), Label: Universal / Skinnyfish Music (3764720), Formats: CD, LP, CD + DVD, streaming, digital download, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 01:35. About Geoffrey. Sydney Morning Herald reviewer Bruce Elder recalled the first time he heard the young singer. He left the group in 1995 to live full-time on Elcho Island and later co-founded and co-led the Saltwater Band, which was active from 1999 to 2009. In garnering fans like these, Gurrumul sold out venues the world over, won awards and confounded critics with his wide-ranging success. Dr G Yunupingu (1970-2017), a man of the Gumatj clan of north-east Arnhem Land, learned to play guitar, keyboard, drums and didgeridoo as a child. The Helpmann Awards is an awards show, celebrating live entertainment and performing arts in Australia, presented by industry group Live Performance Australia since 2001. His family, while supportive of his success in the lead-up to the US tour, had flagged their apprehension about his expansion into the Balanda or white persons world; they were happy for him to be the bridge between two cultures, but worry that he could not maintain his cultural ties. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (22 January 1971 - 25 July 2017), commonly known as Gurrumul and also referred to since his death as Dr G. Yunupingu, was an Aboriginal Australian musician of the Yolu peoples. His fragile but uniquely emotive high tenor voice and aura-like persona elicit feelings of peace and longing in listeners. "Michael then said to me, 'Was that a bit strange? Blind from birth, the proud Yolngu man spoke through his music. Yunupingus songs are attracting people who do not normally listen to Aboriginal music and he received standing ovations after two recent performances at the Sydney Opera House. A member of the Gumatj clan of the Yolngu people, despite being a world traveler, he lived there throughout his life. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common eye condition, yet many people dont realize they have it. Living a traditional Yolngu life, his breakthrough album 'Gurrumul . "He was writing these songs and the words just came into his mind and heart. Maestri worked on the painting for a month, listening to Gurrumul's music as he built up the image layer upon layer. Below the thick overhang of eyebrows, Gurrumul's eyes are concealed in shadow. 46years (19712017)Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu / Age at death. But the basic incompatibility of this shy, private man with the hype and spotlight of the music industry were . Following a long battle with illness, Gurrumul passed away in 2017 at Royal Darwin Hospital at the age of 46. In touching and heartbreaking sequences Gurrumul learns of loved ones passing away, and we see the funeral ceremonies that he travels back home for. The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The money he made was largely shared with his family, following the Aboriginal tradition of sharing wealth. Beautifully narrated by his Aunty,Susan Dhangal Gurruwiwi, we learn that Yunupingu was considered to be a messenger between the Balanda (white) world and Yolngu worlds, that the singer was Djarimirri Child of the Rainbow, and his destiny was to illuminate the divide between his own culture and the modern world. Born blind, Gurrumul sings in his tribal Gumatj dialect, spoken by no more than 3,000 people. His chin and neck fade into dark greys and blacks. SharkDog333 2 hr. Critics raved about his unearthly voice, fusion of music styles and authentic Aboriginal sound and stories. Legendary American music producer Quincy Jones praised the singer for "one of the most unusual and emotional and musical voices that I've ever heard". In Yolngu lore the name, image and voice of the recently deceased is retired from all public use. We have sent a confirmation email to {USEREMAIL}. The post-pod life looks great on her! [24] He also won three Deadlys, winning for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Gurrumul and Single of the Year for "Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind)". The world wants to know more about him. In a cover article Rolling Stone called him 'Australia's most important voice'. Singer-songwriter Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu will release his eponymous solo debut album Gurrumul via Dramatico Entertainment on June 15. Half a million copies of Gurrumul have been sold worldwide. The collar on his right covers the neck and makes the jaw line directly. Did Geoffrey Gurrumul have children? He performed with Yothu Yindi from 1985 to 1992, when he formed the Saltwater Band. To Briggss mind, Gurrumuls popularity was testament to his hard work, his musicality and his talent. He performed with Yothu Yindi from 1985 to 1992, when he formed the Saltwater Band. 0. The whole process became quite an emotional experience.. He has had solo exhibitions at the Tim Olsen Gallery and was a finalist in the 2007 and 2008 Dobell Drawing Prize. Hohnen, who was the singers guide and spokesman, talks to the Guardian in the Skinnyfish Music offices in suburban Darwin. Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. The concert was co-presented by music producer Quincy Jones, who has called Gurrumul "unbelievable". To Briggs's mind, Gurrumul's popularity was testament to his hard work, his musicality and his talent. It commenced in 2004. In 2009, he was named Best New Independent Artist and the album won both Best Independent Release and Best Independent Blues/Roots Release at the Australian Independent Record (AIR) Awards. 5 comments. Elton John, Sting and Bjrk were among his fans. With Manuel Dhurrkay he also fronted Saltwater Band, the group putting out three records in a decade from 1999. We see a man as he traverses two "different worlds". They all play it. Both men feigned concern about the social plight of the majority of Aborigines and voiced platitudes about Gurrumuls music and indigenous disadvantage. These ritualistic proclamations are thoroughly disingenuous. In a culture where the names and images of those that have passed over are retired, a generous allowance from Gurrumul's family has made thisstrict protocol permissible, where themusician's important role in lifecontinuesbeyond, as a bridge between two cultures. He was one of only two Australian performers at the Queens Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace. His angelic voice connected with fans the world over, including such notable names as Elton John, will.I.am, Sting, Gary Barlow, Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder. Away from cameras and the stage, we are alsogiven a glimpse of the sense of humour and cheekiness that Gurrumul maintained throughout his life and career. "There are different ways people can go about activism," Hohnen continues. Gurrumul went double-platinum, earned exceptional . He had a special place to see, which was his heart. he says. working together With a voice that captured the heart of millions across the world, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was an enigmatic talent. Remote indigenous patients are often traumatised or sink into depression as a result of the illness and the distances they must travel away from their families to receive treatment. Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind) Lyrics: I was born blind and I don't know why / God knows why because he love me so / As I grew up, my spirit knew / Then I learnt to read the world of . Gurrumul was a self-taught instrumentalist, playing guitar, piano, drums, and didgeridoo. This song has been hailed by critics and millions over th. For other uses, see, Posthumous releases and recognition (2018present). Gurrumuls uncle, Mandawuy Yunupingu, died from kidney disease in June 2013, aged 56. Which is the best brand for acoustic guitar? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons. Gurrumul performed for HRH Queen Elizabeth II, past-US President Barack Obama, Crown Prince Frederick and Princess Mary of Denmark, in addition to being one of only two Australian performers at the Queens Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, confirming this multi ARIA award-winning musicians place as an international star who had transcended cultural boundaries while staying true to his culture. He sang stories of his land both in Yolu languages such as Gaalpu, Gumatj or Djambarrpuynu, a dialect related to Gumatj, and in English. .mw-parser-output .awards-table td:last-child{text-align:center}, The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters". Gurrumul was born and raised in Galiwinku, a small community of about 2,200 people on remote Elcho Island, which is about 560 kilometres, or a two-hour flight, northeast of Darwin, the Northern Territory capital. While Gurrumuls premature death came as a shock to many of his fans around the world, the 46-year-old had waged a protracted struggle with kidney and liver disease for many years. When telling of the life of Gurrumul, his culture and community was a hugely important aspect of the film. [17] Gurrumul peaked at No. Gurrumul agreed to the film as long as his health was not a part of it; and his uncle, Yunupingu, asked that life in their community be shown with dignity. Born in Mudgee, NSW in 1974, Maestri completed a Bachelor of Fine Art (Hons) in painting at the National Art School, Darlinghurst in 2003. ", Three days later, on July 25, 2017, Gurrumul died in Royal Darwin Hospital. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. [38], In November 2020, Decca Records announced they had signed to the rights to Yunupingu's catalogue and future recordings, announcing forthcoming releases, including limited-edition vinyls, a box set and collaborations among a slate of projects. It is made with oil on linen, surrounded by a simple two-centimetre-wide black frame. There's this ownership of him. **Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this content contains images of people who have died. 69 on the ARIA Charts and No. "He wasn't writing a lot of new, contemporary style songs but he probably knew 400 or 500 songs, traditionally.". There are public aspects of Gurrumuls short life that arent explored by the documentary his long-running health issues, and the high levels of poverty in remote Indigenous communities such as Galiwinku. Aborigines in Australia remain a disadvantaged minority with high levels of ill-health, unemployment and poverty. For once, the Balanda world is struggling with its incorporation into Yolngu, rather than the other way round. Audio description written by Meredith Hughes and voiced by Rory Walker, Guido Maestri As his spokesman and double-bass accompanist Michael Hohnen explained to journalists in 2013, Gurrumul hates the media. Which is better guitar tricks or JamPlay. His songs covered themes of identity, spirit, connection with the land and its elements across multiple Yolngu languages as well as English. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is a blind Aboriginal singer/songwriter and guitarist from the Gumatj clan of the Yolngu people of Australia's North East Arnhem Land. Gurrumul has performed for Her Majesty the Queen of England, US President Barack Obama, Prince Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark. "Spot on.". He also won three Deadlys, winning for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Gurrumul and Single of the Year for Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind). Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (born 1970) is an indigenous Australian musician, who sings in the Yolngu language. Aborigines, for example, are 10 times more likely to contract kidney disease than Australias non-indigenous population, while in remote communities the figure is between 30 and 50 times the national average. They commenced in 2005. Gurrumul shot to prominence in 2008 with the release of his debut album Gurrumul, which was nominated for four ARIAs and won two. With a voice that captured the heart of millions across the world, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was an enigmatic talent. [25], In November 2009, Yunupingu was named Best New Independent Artist and his album, Gurrumul, Best Independent Release and Best Independent Blues/Roots Release at the Australian Independent Record (AIR) Awards held at Melbourne's Corner Hotel. , carries the legacy of this celebrated and important voice, and offers a rare insight into the life of the shy musician beyond the stage and the spotlight. Directed by Paul Williams, Gurrumul's uncle, Djunga Djunga Yunupingu, and aunt, Gurruwiwi are the only narrators of the film, but it also features his parents and friends. We underestimated him.. The portrait won the Archibald Prize for 2009. One baroque-style track has overlapping melodies that mirror the communal expression of Yolngu ceremonial songs. "And the most nerve-racking thing for me was whether Gurrumul himself and his family and the other people on Elcho would actually relate to these arrangements. ", Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society, "2009 Helpmann Awards Nominees & Winners", "Gurrumul Is The 2022 NIMA Hall Of Fame Inductee", Video of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu performing, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Geoffrey_Gurrumul_Yunupingu&oldid=1141636930, CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown, Articles with dead external links from August 2012, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in Australian English, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. "At first I was trying to figure out how these different traditions could work together, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Blind from birth, the proud Yolngu man spoke through his music. Gurrumul was raised on Elcho Island, off the coast of North East Arnhem Land, as a member of the Gumatj clan. There is no cure for kidney failure. We try and work in a mainstream music industry but within their [Indigenous] system of how we relate to everyone, Hohnen tells Guardian Australia. The album debuted at #1 on the ARIA charts, won multiple ARIA awards and the Australian Music Prize. On one level TheCompanion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. Yunupingu was born on Galiwin'ku, Elcho Island, in the massive Arnhem Land, one of the five regions that make up Australia's Northern Territory. Critics have heaped praise on the singer and described his voice as having transcendental beauty. (age35in2009), Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu Gurrumuls death at such an early age is another tragic confirmation of the huge social gapin health as well as employment, education, housing and other basic indicesbetween indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. Simply so, what causes gurrumul blindness? Gurrumul Yunupingu in a still from the documentary about his life by Paul Williams. 1 on the iTunes Australia roots music chart in April 2008. What Williams has been able to achieve here is quite remarkable, to be able to capture these very intimate moments within the community speaks to the level of trust and respect between the community and the film-makers, and also an acknowledgement of the status of Gurrumul. The Australian Music Prize (AMP) is an annual award of $30,000 given to an Australian band or solo artist in recognition of the merit of an album released during the year of award. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); It could be that you are wondering whether you are in the right place. Even in his death, he's transcended genres and cultural barriers. "It was really only in retrospect, when we looked back, that we said, 'Maybe that was goodbye.' Gurrumul performs during a media call for the Sydney festival First Night. The wall above a shelf of Skinnyfish CDs is lined with art from the Tiwi Islands and a portrait of Gurrumul. ", Djarimirri is primarily about legacy. ago. Light appears to catch on his protruding bottom lip. How did gurrumul go blind? Click the link to confirm your email address. The album, Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow), is released on 13 April through Skinnyfish, Gurrumul review stirring and soulful ode to Australia's most important voice, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Blind from birth and raised in thecommunity of Galiwinku on Elcho Island, Gurrumul was brought up learning the stories and history of his people, through song and dance, the rhythms of life and nature shaping his musical ear and sensibilities. Instead of undergoing minor surgery to rectify the problem, which was associated with liver disease, Gurrumul was left overnight in the Rapid Assessment Unit, where he continued vomiting blood. That's remarkable for a man who was born blind, is extremely shy and doesn't speak much English. "Yeah. Gurrumuls health worsened at the end of 2015 after a long-delayed US tour. The award commenced in 2005. Its a really bad business model in lots of ways, but you have to give in to that world. Deeply embedded in the documentary project, he brought the camera crew along to his fathers funeral. Gurrumul (born Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu) was a Gumatj man from Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island in the Northern Territory. Born blind, the reluctant star never gave any interviews and was painfully shy, but his music drew worldwide acclaim, despite the fact that he performed in his Gumatj dialect which is understood by only around 3,000 people. He was best known as a singer. Blind from birth, he found purpose and meaning through songs and music inspired by his community and country on Elcho Island in far North East Arnhem Land. TheCompanion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store. The concert is the culmination of an ambitious and difficult project, with the musicians hes working with frustrated and exhausted by the process of developing songs in a language they didnt fully know. "The audience requiresa lot of information to make sense of Gurrumuls musical rise because it emerged from a culture thatsso different to that of most people watching the film," Filmmaker Williams says.