Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
Gurrumul is an enigma in the Australian music industry.
Born blind, Gurrumul grew up as a member of the Gumatj clan on Elcho Island, off the coast of tropical North East Arnhem Land. His fragile but powerfully emotive voice has affected the public in a way no other artist has done in this country. This unique Aboriginal man sings songs about identity, spirit and connection with the land, its elements and the ancestral beings he is related to. His high tenor voice and aura-like persona creates emotion, compassion and a feeling of peacefulness and longing with audiences in Australia and around the world.
In today's world where the media and the music industries are based around hype, fashion and disposable artists, Gurrumul has emerged as unique celebrity, who will 'change the way you breathe' (Brisbane Courier Mail, 2008) and change the way people listen to and experience his Yolngu cultural world through an accessible Western music style.
Gurrumul first came to attention when he released his eponymous debut to international claim. His angelic voice connected with listeners worldwide including Elton John, will.I.am and Sting who are big fans. The debut album 'Gurrumul' has sold half a million copies worldwide, reaching Triple Platinum in Australia, his second solo album 'Rralaka' released in April 2011 has received Gold status and the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine declared Gurrumul "Australia's Most Important Voice" (Rolling Stone, April 2011)
Within a 4 week period in 2011, Gurrumul was chosen to perform for and meet HRH The Queen of England, US President Barack Obama, Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary ofDenmark, confirming this multi award-winning musician's place as an international sensation, capable of transcending cultural boundaries.
Australian Industry Awards & Achievements
2012 Mar Skinnyfish Music announce book deal with ABC Books & Harper Collins
2012 Jan Gurrumul opens the main stage at opening night for the 2012 Sydney Festival to a 50,000 strong audience in the Domain.
2011 Dec Rrakala finishes at No 6 in the ARIA End of Year Charts - Top 50 Australian Artists Albums 2011
2011 Nov Gurrumul performs for US President Barak Obama in front of 1500 servicemen and guests in a secured hangar at Darwin's RAAF Base
2011 Oct Debut album Gurrumul is announced TRIPLE PLATINUM status
2011 Oct Gurrumul invited as the exclusive performer at the official Royal welcome ceremony for HRH The Queen of England and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at the Great Hall, Parliament House
2011 ARIA Awards: -
- World Music Album - Rrakala (Awarded)
2011 Deadly Awards (National Awards):
- Album of year for Rrakala
- Male Artist of the year
2011 National Indigenous Music Awards:
- Act of the Year
- Album of year for Rrakala
- Song of the Year for Gathu Mawula with Blue King Brown
- NT DVD / Film Clip of the Year for Gathu Mawula with Blue King Brown
- NT Cover Artwork of the Year for Rrakala
2011 Oct European / UK Tour and launch of Rrakala
2011 July Rrakala is officially declared GOLD status
2011 April Rrakala debuts at No. 3 on ARIA mainstream album chart
Rrakala Released
2011 May Rolling Stone Cover story - 'Australia's Most Important Voice'
2009 Dec Sting - duet on French TV show - Taratata
