"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. When asked what he would do with any money he makes, he suggested it will go to his mother and aunts, following the Aboriginal tradition of sharing wealth. He also forged a successful solo career. The most unforgettable aspect of his musicits essencewas the sensuality and emotional power of his voice, which had an otherworldly character that seemed to speak across the ages. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program. While Gurrumul's 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. By the time Skinnyfish came to release the eponymous Gurrumul in 2008, a year before Saltwater's final album, the man and his music were match fit. On the other side his neck is cradled by layered fabric, and cut by the line of the cropped image. [13], In 1989, at the age of 18, Yunupingu joined Yothu Yindi as a multi-instrumentalist and backing vocalist, notably contributing to their 1991 album, Tribal Voice. To Briggs's mind, Gurrumul's popularity was testament to his hard work, his musicality and his talent. "It was really only in retrospect, when we looked back, that we said, 'Maybe that was goodbye.' The important thing was that, in every step of the process, we've made sure that we haven't done anything that doesn't communicate those songs.". The journey that we took with him was almost the opposite. Filmed over the course of ten years, the documentary feature by Paul Williams gives us a window into the rich and complex Yolngu culture and ceremonial life, a world that informed the singer's music and voice. [8] Yunupingu's friend Michael Hohnen produced the album and was his translator, collaborator and confidant. Which is the best brand for acoustic guitar? Gurrumul shot to prominence in 2008 with the release of his debut album Gurrumul, which was nominated for four ARIAs and won two. Watch David Norths remarks commemorating 25 years of the World Socialist Web Site and donate today. 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. "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. Did Geoffrey Gurrumul have children? Source: Supplied. Geoffrey Gurrumul YunupinguHis Life and Music 2013 Australian. [39], In September 2021, Yunupingu's first anthology was released, entitled The Gurrumul Story. Gurrumul documentary to debut at Berlin film festival watch the trailer. Word had been going around all day and the rumours were true people really were moved to tears. Believing that this inspiring, amazing man would be an ideal subject for a portrait, Maestri managed to track Gurrumul down in Darwin with the help of a friend in the music industry only to discover that he was flying to New York the following weekend. Yunupingu, who was born blind, has an ongoing liver condition due to contracting Hepatitis B from a young age, Skinny Fish Music managing director Mark Grose told the ABC. He found purpose and meaning through songs inspired by his community and country in North East Arnhem Land. 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. The post-pod life looks great on her! [27], He was again awarded the Australian Independent Record (AIR) Award for Best Independent Blues and Roots Album in 2011 for his album Rrakala. His first album as an acoustic artist, Gurrumul, was released in Australia in 2008 and went double platinum. Celebrated by audiences at home and abroad, Indigenous artist Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was one of the most important and acclaimed voices to ever come out of Australia. SharkDog333 2 hr. ", Explains Hohnen, "In most situations when an Aboriginal person up here passes away, the name gets changed, and the music and imagery gets stopped," explains Hohnen. Throughout his childhood, he was built, given or bought tin cans, sticks, toy keyboards, piano accordions, nylon string guitars, and, later, clap sticks (bilma) and didgeridoos (yidaki). 0. With his extraordinary voice and hauntingly beautiful album, Gurrumul, Indigenous singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu has become something of a cultural phenomenon over the last year. It is like a celebration.'. working together 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". Critics raved about his unearthly voice, fusion of music styles and authentic Aboriginal sound and stories. These glands have tiny openings to release oils onto the surface of the cornea. Blind from birth, the proud Yolngu man spoke through his music. This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. [5][8][15][16] His first solo album, Gurrumul, was released in 2008, debuting at No. Yesterday, a posthumous album was added to his canon. Jasmine YunupinguGeoffrey Gurrumul . Gurrumuls home community of Galiwinku and the surrounding Arnhem Land is Aboriginal territory and a deeply traditional place of multiple clans and tribes. "We wanted to release the album while he was alive so he could live it out on the airwaves around his, community and further afield," says Hohnen. "It was a strange way to sign off a conversation," he says. ago. Gurrumul sang about Gumatj stories in Yolngu, but his song 'Gurrumul History' was in English, to spread his story. BAPA. Djarimirri is essentially an exercise in ethnomusicology the keeping alive of this ancient music, albeit in a more modern fashion, so that those yet to come are able to access it, no matter their cultural background. It is difficult to adequately describe the complex and heart-rending qualities of Gurrumuls voice but his rendition of Wiyathul with the Errki String Quartet at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney in 2008 is an important example of its alluring character. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For further information please contact NPG Copyright. This was deliberate, Hohnen says. Audio description written by Meredith Hughes and voiced by Rory Walker, Guido Maestri It wasn't just Jones Sting, Elton John and Australian musicians Peter Garrett and Paul Kelly all count themselves among the singer's admirers. In 2009 a portrait of Gurrumul by Guy Maestri won Australias major art prize, The Archibald Prize. I knew if we could capture that spirit across a whole record, there would be something really special, Hohnen told the Guardian in April 2016. A member of the Gumatj clan of the Yolngu people, despite being a world traveler, he lived there throughout his life. I always said he balanced the two worlds better than most people. Eight hours later he was admitted into intensive care. The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. For those unfamiliar, or vaguely familiar with his work, it's an even greater treat: they will be entertained, enthralled, perhaps in some small way changed. We underestimated him.. 1. Further listening casts new light on what's happening, though. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu did exactly what youd do if you didnt want to be successful but he succeeded anyway. "But I now feel like we did everything possible to live up to the standards that he and his family expected of us. Sorry, this video has expired 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. On 25 July 2017, Australia mourned the loss of one of its music greats. 46years (19712017)Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu / Age at death. [8], In 2015, Yunupingu toured the US. Born blind, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was the lead singer of the Saltwater Band and the keyboard player and guitarist of Yothu Yindi. Djarimirri is essentially, an album that sets ancient Yolngu chants against an orchestral background to make them more palatable to the Western ear. 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. [8], In April 2018, Yunupingu's fourth studio album, Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow), was released. Light spills to the left side of his face, tumbling down his forehead, eyebrow, cheek and lips. A true testament to his legacy, the Gurrumul documentary released in 2018 has been screened internationally and won the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Award (AACTA) for best documentary, showing a deep worldwide appreciation for his story and songs. He is from the Gumatj clan of the Yolngu and his mother from the Galpu nation. When telling of the life of Gurrumul, his culture and community was a hugely important aspect of the film. Gurrumul would go on to perform for Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II, among others. His condition had worsened in recent years, to the extent that Skinnyfish had retired the singer from touring in late 2015. Gurrumul was a self-taught instrumentalist, playing guitar, piano, drums, and didgeridoo. 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. He gave his approval for the final version just three days before he died. When Gurrumul arrives home after long periods away from touring and recording, we see a great deal of affection upon his return. Royalties from Djarimirri will flow, in part, into the Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation, which has a vision statement that speaks of creating "greater opportunities for remote Indigenous young people to realise their full potential and contribute to culturally vibrant and sustainable communities". [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. 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. Gurrumul's songs, like his own life, encompass a span of human experience as great as any on. He has had solo exhibitions at the Tim Olsen Gallery and was a finalist in the 2007 and 2008 Dobell Drawing Prize. Herein, how did gurrumul go blind? Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu - History (I Was Born Blind) - YouTube 0:00 / 3:47 Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu - History (I Was Born Blind) DramaticoMusic 67.2K subscribers 309K views 13. As his spokesman and double-bass accompanist Michael Hohnen explained to journalists in 2013, Gurrumul hates the media. And, for me, his legacy was opening people's hearts to one of the greatest assets of this country.". [36] A documentary film titled Gurrumul was also released, which Luke Buckmaster reviewed, stating that "For Gurrumul fans, the film is obviously a must-see. A year later he began to play a guitar; despite being a left-hander, he played a right-handed guitar, holding it upside down, which he would continue to do throughout his career. Gurrumul first came to the worlds attention when his self-titled debut album Gurrumul was released to international acclaim in 2008. ", A note released with the advance stream of Djarimirri addresses these questions. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (1970-2017), a Gumatj man from north-east Arnhem Land, was born blind but learned to play guitar, keyboard, drums and didgeridoo as a child. Following the Aboriginal tradition of sharing wealth, he said any money he makes goes to his mother and aunts still living on Elcho Island, some 350 miles from Darwin. Gurrumul went double-platinum, earned exceptional . Though affectionately calling each other "wwa", the Gumatj word for 'brother', we can see how their connection was more like family. [33] He released his third studio album, The Gospel Album, on 31 July 2015. Love Is Blind alum Deepti Vempati took a dip back in the dating pool after her two recent splits, she exclusively tells Life & Style in a video interview, but . Both men were ministers in the Rudd and Gillard Labor governments from December 2007 to September 2013. In 2014 they finally returned to the US, playing smaller shows with less pressure, but during this tour Gurrumuls father died, just a few years after his mother. [8] On his death he was described as an important figure in fostering racial harmony and as a voice of Indigenous Australians. We have an encyclopedia of stories ready to tell people, if they want to listen. "Yeah. He had also, with Hohnen and composer Erkki Veltheim, created or reworked about 50 pieces of music specifically for the documentary. [41][42], The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector. [14] He left school at the age of 12, having attended his local school, Shepherdson College, along with a brief stint at an institute in the Victorian city of Geelong for instruction in Braille, which did not interest him. Gift of the artist 2011. We used to think Gurrumul wouldnt go far, would never show his independence, says Yunupingu. "A lot of youngsters in the north-east Arnhem Land region, where G comes from, and other youngsters from all around NT, from every Aboriginal community, a lot of youngsters are doing music today. "Spot on.". He sang . "This album is an orchestral piece, so it's sheet music. With such a big, bright personality, heis a very much loved and honoured member of his community. sfn error: no target: CITEREFHillman2014 (, Australian Independent Record (AIR) Awards, Australasian Performing Right Association, Honorary awards: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, "Dr G Yunupingu: Australia's most prominent Indigenous musician dies aged 46", "Dr G. Yunupingu, Australian Aboriginal Singer, Dies at 46", "Dr G. Yunupingu: An exquisite singer who 'spoke to the soul', "Decca Australia signs Gurrumul, new releases in pipeline", "Australian indigenous singer Dr G. Yunupingu dies", "Case Study: Inspiring Stories Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu", "Aboriginal musician astonishes Australian audiences", "Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu's legacy: why his music didn't stop", "Aboriginal singer beats poverty and prejudice to top Australian charts", "Gurrumul interview: the mystical heart of Australia", Australian Independent Record Labels Association Ltd (AIR), 2012, "7 Great Performances from the History of the ARIA Awards Music Reads", "Delta to sing Gurrumul's indigenous anthem Bayini on The Voice tonight", "Courtney Barnett, Hermitude, Tame Impala Lead 2015 ARIA Award Nominations", "Gurrumul review stirring and soulful ode to Australia's most important voice", "50 Greatest Australian Artists of All Time number 33: Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu", "Uperoleia gurrumuli Catullo and Keogh, 2021 | Amphibian Species of the World", "ARIA Charts Accreditations 2011 Albums", "ARIA Charts Accreditations 2012 Albums", Australian Recording Industry Association, Australian Independent Record Labels Association, "AIR Awards:2019 AIR Awards Winners Announced! The cover of Gurrumul's posthumous album, Djarimirri (2018). He learned foot stomping calling and whooping, vocalisations of traditional songs and their different sounds, and so much more. ", Djarimirri is primarily about legacy. Gurrumul Yunupingu 1971 2017 Born blind, his powerfully emotive yet fragile voice has affected the public unlike any other Australian artist. Tired of touring and its associated pressures, Gurrumul left Yothu Yindi, formed the Saltwater Band in 1996 but eventually decided to go solo, releasing his first album in 2008. On multiple screens in front of them were edits of Williams's documentary, Gurrumul. Born blind, his powerfully emotive yet fragile voice has affected the public unlike any other Australian artist. This was the final okay from Gurrumul, who as a co-producer had been involved in most aspects of the film. Many examples of Gurrumuls remarkable work are available on YouTube. Our ProgramsFAQCurrent AppealsTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy, Established 2013A Company Limited by GuaranteeCharity ABN 25163166283Public Benevolent Institution (PBI)Endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR)Charity Street Address: L1 66 Smith St Darwin 0800. [29] In 2019, Double J's Dan Condon described it as one of "7 great performances from the history of the ARIA Awards. ", The Gospel Album (2015).Credit:Courtesy of ABC. There is no cultural or social context for Gurrumul to understand or translate Every Breath You Take into Yolngu Matha to say nothing of the glaring irony of asking him to sing the line Ill be watching you. The multiple ARIA-Award-winner, whose full name news.com.au has withheld for cultural reasons, died in Royal Darwin Hospital about 5pm on Tuesday. Maestri worked on the painting for a month, listening to Gurrumul's music as he built up the image layer upon layer. Critics heaped praise on the singer, describing his voice as having "transcendental beauty". "We held it for a year," Hohnen confirms. But initially, Djarimirri isn't an easy listen. Toooften Aboriginal Australians feel their culture is hijacked by another agenda, a balanda (whitefella)agenda, and distorted beyond recognition. 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. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons. Gurrumul (born Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu) was a Gumatj man from Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island in the Northern Territory. "Gurrumul had hundreds of songs in his head," says Hohnen. Among those offering tributes to Gurrumul was Midnight Oil lead singer and former Australian education minister Peter Garrett, as well as current Labor Party opposition leader Bill Shorten. source: http://www.thearchibaldprize.com.au/winners/archibald, Aboriginal singer beats poverty and prejudice to top Australian charts Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (22 January 1971 25 July 2017), commonly known as Gurrumul and also referred to since his death as Dr G. Yunupingu,[note 1][5][6][7] was an Aboriginal Australian musician[8] of the Yolu peoples. It ends with Gurrumul performing a new song at the Sydney Opera House. Sir Elton John, Sting and Bjrk are among his fans. SBS acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu's legacy: why his music didn't stop. "It was like he was becoming a shadow of his former self," Hohnen recalls. And hes making it new. LipiScan is a non-invasive procedure that helps our doctors see and analyze the health of your Meibomian glands. When he was four years old, he taught himself how to play a toy piano and an accordion. This song has been hailed by critics and millions over th. Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow) has been more than six years in the making and involves the singer, in Hohnen's words, delving "deeper into the cultural elements of his music". Half a million copies of Gurrumul have been sold worldwide. "This last record is testament to him transcending genre and transcending what's expected of an Indigenous artist," he says. The CD simply titled Gurrumul quickly achieved triple platinum sales status in Australia and sold half a million copies worldwide. The intervention tore up the democratic rights of Aborigines in the territory, quarantined social welfare and pensions, seized indigenous land and imposed repressive controls on indigenous communities. Nea definition National Education Association. beyond the stage He died in July 2017 aged 46. 1 in the mainstream iTunes charts.Gurrumul peaked at #4 on the ARIA Charts. Gurrumul was raised on Elcho Island, off the coast of North East Arnhem Land, as a member of the Gumatj clan. father We know it happens right around Australia We need to have that discussion about how we can improve care for indigenous Australians so they receive the same level of care as non-indigenous Australians, Lawton said. Blind from birth, the proud Yolngu man spoke through his music. He just says its his role to tell these stories about his culture.. Its a really bad business model in lots of ways, but you have to give in to that world. National Endowment for the Arts. The first of six children, Gurrumul began his professional musical career in his late teens as a member of the popular Yothu Yindi rock band. [8] His friend, spokesperson, and collaborator Michael Hohnen described his early musical experiences as follows: "Gurrumul was educated by immersion, cultural immersionfrom his aunties, parents and grandmothers, with love and lullabies; from his uncles, fathers and grandfathers through ceremony songs and storytelling, much of it through music. Gurrumul was Skinnyfish Music's most successful artist and his success enabled the label to expand and focus on other acts like Lonely Boys, Manuel Dhurrkay and Mambali. There's this ownership of him. As his aunt Susan Dhangal Gurruwiwi narrates: When you talk about Gurrumul, its a big story.. Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (born 1970) is an indigenous Australian musician, who sings in the Yolngu language. And you don't really have any options it's dialysis or nothing.". ", His niece, Miriam Yirrininba Dhurrkay, says Gurrumul's life and music are still inspiring Yolngu people. With a voice that captured the heart of millions across the world, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was an enigmatic talent. Guido Maestri. 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. Hohnen and Gurrumul laugh as announcers and TV hosts mispronounce his name, and cackle as Guy Maestri wins the Archibald prize for his portrait of Gurrumul and reads aloud a message from the singer: I didnt win this money, so please dont call me asking for some of it.. Gurrumul (1971 - 2017) was born blind and grew up, as a member of the Gumatj clan and a speaker of the indigenous Yolngu language, on Elcho Island (Galiwin'ku), off the coast of tropical North . His third release, The Gospel Album (2015), cemented what those close to him had known for years that this unassuming Indigenous Australian, who was born blind and taught himself to play a guitar held upside down, wasn't an angelic-voiced flash in the pan. 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. Its a heartbreaking moment in the film. Hohnen was on the phone with Gurrumul, his longtime friend and musical partner, and the biggest star at Skinnyfish, which he co-owns. "It would just not have been right to put it out. 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. What made this situation unusual, though, was how it finished up. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Instead of his usual "see you later", Gurrumul ended the call by saying goodbye, which he'd not done before. 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. Grose publicly protested the hospital delays. His songs covered themes of identity, spirit, connection with the land and its elements across multiple Yolngu languages as well as English. Asked to comment, Northern Territory Health Minister John Elferink arrogantly dismissed the accusation, rejected calls for an investigation and then provocatively accused Skinnyfish Music of staging a publicity stunt to promote a new album by the singer. With a voice that captured the heart of millions across the world, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was an enigmatic talent. 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. did he go blind from his family torturing him or was he born that way i don't remember if they expanded on it or not. Guy Maestris portrait of the musician was conceived after the artist saw Gurrumul perform in Sydney on New Years Eve 2008. And when hes invited to sing a duet with Sting on a French TV show, it nearly ends in disaster. The album debuted at #1 on the ARIA charts, won multiple ARIA awards and the Australian Music Prize. Below the thick overhang of eyebrows, Gurrumul's eyes are concealed in shadow. The world wants to know more about him. abbreviation. On Easter Sunday in 2016, he suffered internal bleeding and was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital by Skinnyfish Music managing director Mark Grose and Yunupingus private nurse. His gentle lament-like songs were mainly performed in Gumatj, Galpu or Djambarrpuynulanguages of the Yolngu people of north-eastern Arnhem Landwith references to sacred bush animals, the sea and the seasons, tribal ancestors, funeral songs, love for his parents and reverence for the land. 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. The Most Beautiful Song Ever Written (Australian Aboriginal), This song is called Wiyathul and its by a blind aboriginal man called Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. He first came to prominence as a member of Yolngu band Yothu Yindi in the late 1980s but his 2008 eponymous debut album brought global fame that grew through a series of award-winning recordings and a hectic touring schedule that continued until his 2015 tour of the United States and final studio recording that year. Gurrumul rarely said anything during his concerts and gave no interviews. The Gurrumul Story is the first compilation album from Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. It says, in part, "The family have given permission that, following the final funeral ceremony (which occurred at Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island on November 24 last year), his name and image may once again be used publicly, to ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire both his people and Australians more broadly. Please try again later. On his left upper forehead, a circular shape of white untouched canvas indicates the light source. It is made with oil on linen, surrounded by a simple two-centimetre-wide black frame. "[37] The album won four ARIA Music Awards at the 2018 ceremony; his daughter Jasmin accepted the award for Best Male Artist on his behalf. [7] He had lived with liver and kidney damage for many years due to hepatitis B which he had contracted in childhood. [10] In December 2020, Yunupingu was listed at number 33 in Rolling Stone Australia's "50 Greatest Australian Artists of All Time" issue. 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. The contrast of light and darkened eyes imbues the portrait with mystery.His nostrils are round against the broad space between his nose and slender upper lip.