Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (22 January 1971 – 25 July 2017, often known simply as Gurrumul), was an indigenous Australian musician. He was best known as a singer and musician. Most of his songs are sung in Galpu, Gumatj or Djambarrpuyngu,[1] which are all languages of the Yolngu people of northeastern (northern territory) Arnhem Land. He plays the guitar, drums, keyboards and yidaki (didgeridoo).
Gurrumul | |
|---|---|
_(5648206079).jpg) Gurrumul in April 2011 | |
| Background information | |
| Native name | Gudjik Gurrumul Yunupingu |
| Born | 22 January 1971 Galiwin'ku, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Died | 25 July 2017 (aged 46) Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Genres | Folk |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Years active | 1988–2017 |
| Labels | Skinnyfish Music |
| Associated acts | Yothu Yindi Saltwater Band |
| Website | www |
Gurrumul was born at Galiwin'ku, on Elcho Island, off the coast of Arnhem Land. He belongs to the Gumatj clan of the Yolngu, and his mother is from the Galpu clan.[2] He was born blind. Although a few of his songs are written and sung in English, he does not speak the language. He is also said to be very shy,[3] and does not normally speak during performances.[4]
Gurrumul was a founding member of the band Yothu Yindi. He played in this band for almost ten years, until 1995. He formed Saltwater Band a few years later and remains their lead singer. He released his first solo album, Gurrumul, in 2008. It was highly successful, and won several awards.[5] It peaked at #3 on the ARIA Charts and #1 on the independent chart.[6][7] Gurrumul was nominated for four ARIA awards, and won two of them (Best World Music Album and Best Independent Release).[8] He also won three Deadly Awards: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Gurrumul and Single of the Year for "Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind)".[9] At the Independent Music Awards, he won Best New Independent Artist, as well as Best Independent Release and Best Independent Blues/Roots Release for Gurrumul. He won the award for Best Independent Blues and Roots Album again in 2011, for Rrakala.[10]
Yunupingu died at Royal Darwin Hospital, Northern Territory on 25 July 2017 of kidney and liver failure. He was aged 46.[11]
Discography
- Studio albums
Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu Media
Gurrumul playing at the West Coast Blues & Roots Festival (2011)
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References
- ↑ Mark Liebelt. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunipingu: Gurrumul (Skinnyfish). dB Magazine. Retrieved 3 January 2011.
- ↑ Nicolas Rothwell (31 January 2009). Second sight. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/second-sight/story-e6frg8n6-1111118678735.
- ↑ Barbara McMahon (17 July 2008). Aboriginal singer beats poverty and prejudice to top Australian charts. http://music.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2291118,00.html.
- ↑ Iain Shedden (29 May 2013). Geoffrey Gurrumul provides a vivid experience of life in Arnhem Land. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/music/geoffrey-gurrumul-provides-a-vivid-experience-of-life-in-arnhem-land/story-fn9d2mxu-1226652908459.
- ↑ Amy McQuire. Yunupingu's voice creates waves throughout the world. National Indigenous Times (151) (17 April 2008).
- ↑ Alyssa Braithwaite. Gurrumul CDs to tap into UK. National Indigenous Times (156) (26 June 2008).
- ↑ Week Commencing 21 September 2009. The ARIA Report (1021) (5 October 2009)Australian Recording Industry Association Ltd. p. 6.
- ↑ Winners By Year: 2008ARIA Awards. Retrieved 30 May 2013.
- ↑ Gurrumul Deadly at Awards. Darwin: News Limited. 10 October 2008. http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2008/10/10/8665_entertainment.html.[dead link]
- ↑ The Winners. Independent Music Awards (2011)Australian Independent Record Labels Association.
- ↑ Aikman, Amos. Singer Dr G. Yunupingu dies aged 46. The Australian. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
Other websites
- Record company bio
- Video of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu performing at YouTube
- National Indigenous Times – Issue 151 Yunupingu's voice creates waves throughout the world
- Gurrumul obituary