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

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.
Junba Dance Workshop at 2019 Mowanjum Festival

Each year in July the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre hosts the Mowanjum Festival, sharing the vibrant, living culture of the Ngarinyin, Worrorra and Wunambal peoples. Over the last few years the Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation has forged a relationship with the Mowanjum Festival community and after some discussion offered to fund a small pilot project for the 2019 festival.
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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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

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