East Arnhem Land is the home of the world renowned band Yothu Yindi. The band's success across Australia and the world has inspired the next generations of Yolŋu singers and songwriters that draw musical inspiration from their homelands and their culture.
Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu
Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu is the current front man of famous Aboriginal rock band Yothu Yindi. Yirrŋa's debut solo album 'Raise the flag' was produced locally by the Yirrkala-based, Mulka Music and contains soaring melodic vocals of traditional Yolŋu songlines, backed by catchy riffs. It is a must listen!
Andrew Gurruwiwi Band
Andrew Gurruwiwi is the son of internationally renown yidaki (didgeridu) player Djalu Gurruwiwi and also featured in the film Westwind: Djalu's Legacy. Andrew hosts a weekly show on Yolŋu Radio, a radio station based in Nhulunbuy that broadcasts across the East Arnhem region. Andrew also makes up part of Bärra - West Wind, a local band playing catchy reggae and world music.
Dhapanbal Yunupiŋu
Dhapanbal Yunupiŋu is one of six daughters of the lead singer of Yothu Yindi, Dr. Yunupiŋu. Her father is a motivator in Dhapanbal's journey in becoming a singer songwriter and an inspiration for her music. Dhapanbal’s debut album, 'Märi Wurrapa' or Grandmother Whale, was partly written by her father before his death in 2013.
Ezy 5
Ezy 5 is one of East Arnhem Land's newest bands. Comprised of Cedric Marika, Marshall Gambley, Dimataya Burrarwaŋa, Murphy Marika Rhythm and Didiwarr Wunuŋmurra, Ezy 5 brings the up-tempo tropical vibes of East Arnhem Land to the sound waves.
East Journey
Rock/reggae band East Journey was formed in 2010. Their music combines the earthy sounds of the yidaki (didgeridu) and bilma (clapstick) with electric rock and acoustic to form a modern take on Indigenous music. East Journey's single 'Bright Lights Big City' received heavy airplay on Triple J when it was first released.
Yirrmal Marika
Yirrmal is an inspiring singer songwriter with a beautiful voice, singing songs about his homeland and culture while fusing tradition and contemporary with class and passion. He has extensive knowledge of traditional Yolŋu Manikay songs, and he is also an excellent dancer and yidaki (didgeridu) player. Yirrmal openly shares his identity, spirit and connection to the land and engages the hearts of those that are lucky enough to hear him perform.
Baker Boy
Baker Boy is a hip-hop artist originating from Milingimbi. He was named Young Australian of the Year in 2019, and his song 'Cool as Hell' was nominated for several ARIA Awards in 2019. Baker Boy was represented twice in the Triple J Hottest 100, 2019 with his singles 'Cool as Hell' and 'Meditjin {Ft. JessB} '. Baker Boy has performed alongside Yothu Yindi, Dizzee Rascal and was one of the opening act for American rapper 50 Cent in January 2018.
Yothu Yindi
Yothu Yindi are the original prodigy of East Arnhem Land. Formed in the 1980s, Yothu Yindi toured across Australia and the globe with their blend of rock and traditional instruments making up their award winning songs. Their song 'Treaty' was the first song sung in an Aboriginal Australian language to receive significant international recognition. Written in collaboration with Paul Kelly and Peter Garrett of Midnight Oil, 'Treaty' was named one of the top 30 Australian Songs of all time. Yothu Yindi were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2012.
Interested in hearing these artists perform? Many of the talented East Arnhem Land artists are performing as part of East Arnhem Live - the online concert series supporting local artists and culture.