Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu

Award accepted by Jasmine Yunupingu on behalf of Artist of the Year Gurrumul Yunupingu

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is a Gumatj man from Galiwin’ku on Elcho Island in the Northern Territory.

Gurrumul’s musical exceptional skills on drums, keyboards, guitar and digeridoo were largely self-taught, despite being born blind. His singing voice has drawn great attention and acclaim with his music topping Australian charts and being recognised with ARIA and Deadly Awards.

He is acclaimed overseas too. Gurrumul can count Will.I.Am, Elton John and Sting among his fans, and has performed for Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth the second, USA President Barack Obama and Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark.

Singing in several Yolngu languages and English, his blend of traditional songs and modern compositions has changed the way people experience Indigenous music.

Adding to Gurrumul’s accomplishments, his Gurrumul Yunupingu Foundation supports remote Indigenous youth to become involved in arts and cultural programs, learning skills and pursuing healthy lifestyles to help overcome disadvantage.