About Gurrumul

Gurrumul Yunupingu 1971 - 2017

Gurrumul was raised on Elcho Island, off the coast of North East Arnhem Land, as a member of the Gumatj clan. Born blind, his powerfully emotive yet fragile voice has affected the public unlike any other Australian artist. His songs covered themes of identity, spirit, connection with the land and its elements across multiple Yolngu languages as well as English. The depth of his music, his stage presence, combined with his captivating high tenor voice incited emotion, compassion and a feeling of peacefulness within Australian and international audiences alike.

In today’s world where the media and the music industries are centred around hype and fashion, Gurrumul is a unique celebrity who has stood the test of time, one who could “change the way you breathe” (Brisbane Courier Mail, 2008) and forever altered the way people from around the world interact with Yolngu culture.

In 2008, Gurrumul first gained international attention when his self-titled first solo album debuted at #1 on the independent music charts and peaked at #3 on the ARIA charts. 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. The album reached Triple Platinum in Australia and Gurrumul’s voice connected with listeners such as Elton John, will.I.am and Sting. His second album Rrakala (2011), hit Platinum and continued the stream of adoration for Gurrumul, with Rolling Stone magazine declaring him “Australia’s Most Important Voice” (Rolling Stone, April 2011).

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 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace, confirming this multi ARIA award-winning musician’s place as an international star who had transcended cultural boundaries while staying true to his culture.

In April 2018, Gurrumul’s posthumously released fourth studio album, Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow) was released. The album debuted at #1 on the ARIA charts, won multiple ARIA awards and the Australian Music Prize. 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.

Latest

Children’s Songs appeal resources

Children’s Songs is a new Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation program that was scheduled to begin in 2020, but delayed due to Covid restrictions. The program has been introduced in 2021 in a modified form, to ensure everybody involved can participate safely, and observe health and safety guidelines established by the relevant authorities.
Children’s Songs appeal

Children’s Songs is a new Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation program that was scheduled to begin in 2020, but delayed due to Covid restrictions. The program has been introduced in 2021 in a modified form, to ensure everybody involved can participate safely, and observe health and safety guidelines established by the relevant authorities.
Indigenous Children’s Songs 2019

The Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation is pleased to announce that grant funding has been received from the Northern Territory Government to begin this exciting new two-year program. The program will collaborate with teachers, musicians and translators of six remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory to collect, translate and perform their children’s songs.
Galiwin’ku Healthy Lifestyle Festival 2019

The Galiwin’ku Festival was held during the week of June 24, 2019. The Festival was designed as a healthy lifestyle event, with health messages embedded in all of the activities.

Our Vision

The Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation’s vision is to create greater opportunities for remote Indigenous young people to realise their full potential and contribute to culturally vibrant and sustainable communities.
About Gurrumul

Gurrumul was raised on Elcho Island, off the coast of North East Arnhem Land, as a member of the Gumatj clan. Born blind, his powerfully emotive yet fragile voice has affected the public unlike any other Australian artist. His songs covered themes of identity, spirit, connection with the land and its elements across multiple Yolngu languages as well as English.
About Us

Gurrumul’s Foundation was established in April 2013 with a clear purpose to engage and support young Indigenous Australians – particularly in remote communities – through long term programs and activities that build on their strengths and give them hope for the future.
Barunga Festival

The Barunga Festival is a celebration of remote Indigenous community life, held annually on the Queen’s birthday long weekend June in the small community of Barunga. Running annually since 1985, the festival has earned its place as one of the most important Indigenous festivals in regional Australia.
Michael Hohnen

Director Bachelor of Arts (Music), Diploma of Education, Diploma of Music. Michael has spent the last 20 years in the Northern Territory, working with many indigenous people, including musicians in over 20 remote communities. As a musician (double bass player) he trained in classical, touring Australia and Europe. Once in the NT, his work as Coordinator of VET Contemporary Music Certificate for CDU incorporated course delivery into remote Aboriginal communities.
Damian Trotter

Director Damian Trotter is the Managing Director of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. After joining CBS Records (now Sony) in 1981, Damian held various positions within the company before leaving in 1990 to take up the position of General Manager of East West Records. He returned to Sony in 1991 when he was appointed to his current position. Following the merger of Sony/ATV Music Publishing with EMI Music Publishing in 2012, Damian was appointed Managing Director of both companies.
Galiwin’ku Healthy Lifestyle Festival 2019

The Galiwin’ku Festival was held during the week of June 24, 2019. The Festival was designed as a healthy lifestyle event, with health messages embedded in all of the activities.
Concerts at 2015 Galiwin’ku Healthy Lifestyle Festival

Two great concerts, and a disco, were held as the finale to the Galiwin’ku Healthy Lifestyle Festival on Elcho Island, Gurrumul’s home, in early October, 2015. The Foundation was delighted to help make it happen and see a huge turnout of all ages.
Remote Young Women’s Program 2015

Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation has been working in partnership with Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation in the Katherine region with young women from remote communities. The Program, funded by the Westpac Foundation and the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation (Eldon & Anne Foote – Donor Advised Fund) organised Social and Emotional Wellbeing Camps and then brought everyone together for a final Community Women’s Gathering.
Indigenous Children’s Songs 2019

The Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation is pleased to announce that grant funding has been received from the Northern Territory Government to begin this exciting new two-year program. The program will collaborate with teachers, musicians and translators of six remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory to collect, translate and perform their children’s songs.

Barunga Beats appeal

This vibrant and heart-warming program is in need of support to maintain and upgrade equipment and continue to involve the students of the Barunga School in professionally led Skills Development Workshops. Help us to keep the beat going, donate now. Read more

Donate

Children’s Songs appeal

Children’s Songs is a new Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation program that was scheduled to begin in 2020, but delayed due to Covid restrictions. The program has been introduced in 2021 in a modified form, to ensure everybody involved can participate safely, and observe health and safety guidelines established by the relevant authorities. Read more

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