Gurrumul’s Unique Collaborations
National treasure, multi-instrumentalist and the first Aboriginal Australian musician to top the charts
Dr G Yunupingu, also known as Gurrumul, undoubtedly changed the landscape of music before his sad passing in 2017.
A very special ceremony coming to our 2020 Festival is Buŋgul, a ceremonial celebration of one of Gurrumul's final album Djarrimirri (Child of the Rainbow). This live performance featuring Yolŋgu dancers, Songmen and the West Australian Symphony Orchestra is not to be missed.
Before experiencing this production of immense Yolŋgu spirit, we wanted to remind you of some collaborations undertaken by Gurrumul as we celebrate his memory, the spirit within music and the elements that so strongly impacted his creative process.
The Hunt – Gurrumul x Briggs
Named as one of the best collaborations of 2014, the union of two of Australia’s most revered musicians created a truly magic tune. With Gurrumul hailing from Galiwin'ku, an island of the coast of the Northern Territory, and Briggs from Melbourne – both focusing on different genres - it was similarities in their political viewpoints that brought them together to collaborate on the unique track, becoming the first single from Briggs sophomore release 'Sheplife'.
You can also catch Briggs' at Chevron Lighthouse on Fri 7 Feb when he opens Perth Festival 2020 with Briggs' Bad Apples House Party.
Gathu Mawula Revisited, 2011 – Gurrumul x Blue King Brown
A rare collaboration from two amazing Australian Artists, Gurrumul & Blue King Brown, Sung in Yolngu & English by Gurrumul & Natalie Pa'apa'a of Blue King Brown.
With Natalie’s distinct vocals and Blue King Brown’s urban production edge next to Gurrumul’s smooth and subtle tones, this beautiful Arnhem Land classic is given new life in the 2011 incarnation.
A Baru in New York – Gurrumul x Yolanda Be Cool
Originally intended as a house tune for a Yolanda Be Cool album, the popularity of the song in the music industry saw this tune turned into a single, cut from 5 minutes 38 to a radio friendly 3 minutes 25, where the hooks shone and Gurrumul’s amazing voice still had room to shine.
Amazing Grace – Gurrumul x Paul Kelly, 2015
Amazing Grace' is taken from Gurrumul's third and final studio album The Gospel Album, where two of Australia’s most important singer/songwriters came together to record a stunning version of a much loved hymn.
Paul Kelly will perform as part of Perth Festival 2020 in the SOLD OUT Thirteen Ways to Look at Birds.
His Life and Music (album) – Gurrumul x Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Performing a collection of songs from his award winning albums, His Life and Music is a live album by Gurrumul and The Sydney Symphony Orchestra recorded live at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid Festival in May 2013.
The recording features Gurrumul, in a world-first collaboration with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
The Children Came Back – Briggs x Gurrumul
Briggs, Gurrumul, Dewayne Everettsmith, Corey McGregor (Funkoars), Ben Hauptman and James Mangohig (Sietta) performed a sequel to Archie Roach's 'Took The Children Away' for triple j's special NAIDOC week Like A Version.