Yothu Yindi frontman Mandawuy Yunupingu dies aged 56

Posted by Sudiarsa on 5th June, 2013

Rothu Yindi lead singer Mandawuy Yunupingu has died overnight at his home in the Northern Territory.

The former Australian of the Year, who was 56, died at his home in Yirrkala in Eastern Arnhem Land.

He had been fighting kidney disease for several years.

Yunupingu brought his local people, the Yolngu people, and Indigenous issues to a national stage with his musical career.

He co-founded Yothu Yindi in 1986, and was the band's lead singer and most prominent personality.

He broke records throughout his life, becoming the first Indigenous Australian from Arnhem Land to gain a university degree.

In 1990 he also made history when he took over as head of the Yirrkala Community School, making him Australia's first Aboriginal principal.

He was named 1992 Australian of the Year for his work as a musician and educator and his work in building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

He leaves behind a wife and six daughters.

Campaigner brought Indigenous issues to a wider stage

Yunupingu's nephew, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, who was born blind, also became an award-winning musician in his own right.

His first album Gurrumul won accolades and rose up the ARIA charts after its release in 2008.

Biographer Robert Hillman says Yunupingu had a great sense of mission about his people.

"Music played an important part in the life of the Yolngu people all together. They are very musical people," he told ABC News Breakfast.

"It was part of Mandawuy's vision that music could become a political agent in making the broad mainstream Australia more aware of the rich Indigenous culture of his people."

Mr Hillman says Yunupingu has become a legend in Australia's music history and will be remembered for bringing Indigenous issues to a larger stage

"He was one of the generation of Indigenous Australians who saw a different way ahead, and what they brought to the consciousness of Australia is going to be valued forever," he said.

"Mandawuy himself is a giant amongst his people and a legendry figure in Australian music."

Yunupingu was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame last December.

Yothu Yindi has won eight ARIA awards, including Song of the Year in 1992 for Treaty, and Best Indigenous Release for Tribal Voice.

The band released six albums, starting with Homeland Movement in 1988 and finishing with Garma in 2000.

Garrett, Gillard, Abbott all pay tribute

Education Minister Peter Garrett, who was friends with Yunupingu and worked with him in his role as lead singer with Midnight Oil, paid tribute on Twitter this morning.

Can't believe he's gone, my dear friend. A path breaker and leader. A shining light for his people. Rest in peace Mr Yunupingu.

- Peter Garrett on Twitter

Mr Garrett helped to induct Yunupingu into the ARIA Hall of Fame last year and says he first met him with Midnight Oil in the early 80s.

"To be truthful about it I think we're still in a bit of shock about it here in Canberra," he said.

"He was a very dear friend. He was an outstanding leader. He was a highly successful musician, if you consider what Yothu Yindi achieved, and he's gone too young."

A statement from Prime Minister Julia Gillard's office described Yunupingu as a "uniquely talented musician, a passionate advocate for Aboriginal people and a truly great friend."

"He will be remembered for his tremendous musical achievements ... he will also be remembered as a great educational leader and a champion for the Yolngu people.

"He leaves a great body of work to inspire us and we will need all of that inspiration, for so much work remains undone."

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said Yunupingu was "a great leader of his people".

"He was obviously a significant cultural leader figure to the wider Australian community as well as amongst Aboriginal people," he said.

"It's tragic that he's gone and I guess it's very sad that he's gone at such an early age - but this is one of the real problems in modern Australia. Too many Aboriginal people die too young."

Music specialist and biographer Aaron Corn says apart from his music, Yunupingu will also be remembered for his role in education.
"His wonderful music and the legacy of Yothu Yindi the band is something that Dr Yunupingu will be remembered for by most people around the world and most Australians, but the thing that I think should also be remembered for he was a great intellectual ... he was a great teacher and pedagogue," he said.

Last changed: 5th June, 2013 at 3:05 PM