The influential work of Yothu Yindi is to recognised at the 2013 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) this August, where an all-star cast will perform a tribute concert of Yothu Yindi’s music; now taking on a special honorary significance following the tragic passing of Dr Yunupingu last June.
Following the memorial service to the fallen singer, which drew political figures, rock stars, and dignitaries alike to celebrate the life of the Yothu Yinid ringleader, the organisers of the NIMAs have reportedly “been receiving an abundance of calls from artists with the desire to shift their schedule so they can join the tribute to Yothu Yindi,” according to the press release.
Leading the list of names playing at the August 10 concert in Darwin is Gurrumul – himself a former member of Yothu Yindi and the fallen frontman’s nephew – playing publicly in Darwin for the first time since NIMA 2010 to perform ‘Maralitja’. Satellite Boy star and legendary Aussie actor David Gulpilil marks a surprise addition to the bill, reciting the song ‘My Kind Of Life’.
Rrawun Maymurru, Yunupingu’s grandson and the frontman for Indigenous band East Journey, will also lead an all-star rendition of Yothu Yindi’s biggest hit ‘Treaty’, alongside the band’s original members. Maymuru will also perform an acoustic version of ‘Dots On The Shells’ with Shellie Morris, while Khal Wallace and Jhindu Lawrie of The Medics will be on hand for a performance with Coloured Stone’s Bunna Lawrie.“With so many artists across the country we look forward to an amazing celebration of Yothu Yindi and the band’s legacy.” – Mark Smith, MusicNT
Other reported performances include hip hop act Jimblah covering ‘Fire’, Blues artist Kutcha Edwards and Dewayne Everettsmith doing ‘Djapana’,Grant Nundhirribala from legendary NT band Yilila will be playing with Black Arm Band’s Djolpa McKenziee, and School Band of the Year nominee Rolku Band will open the night with two songs.
Whoever the lucky Triple J Unearthed winner is, to be announced during NAIDOC week, will also be flown into Darwin to perform alongside the all-star cast of musical legends at the event.
Mark Smith, MusicNT Manager and presenters of NIMA, added his enthusiasm for the event, “it’s a very exciting time with so many Indigenous artists doing so well… a number of indigenous artists [all] want to jump on stage to be a part of this historical NIMA concert. With so many artists across the country we look forward to an amazing celebration of Yothu Yindi and the band’s legacy.”
The 2013 NIMAs marks 10 years of recognising Indigenous music and its third year of being a national event and takes place on August 10th at the Darwin Amphitheatre.
The news follows Yothu Yindi’s induction into the ARIA Hall Of Fame as part of the 2012 Awards ceremony, honouring a long history that includes eight ARIA wins and 14 nominations for their six album-strong discography across their 27-year history, including a performance of ‘Treaty’ that would prove to be Yunupingu’s final performance, playing the hit song with his Yothu Yindi bandmates and collaborators Peter Garrett and Paul Kelly.
National Indigenous Music Awards 2013 Yothu Yindi Tribute Concert Lineup
More information: nima.musicnt.com.au
Tickets to NIMA 2013 are on sale via www.darwinfestival.org.au
Gurrumul Yunupingu
Kahl Wallace & Jindhu Lawrie (The Medics)
with special guest Bunna Lawrie (Coloured Stone)
Shellie Morris
Kutcha Edwards
Rrawun Maymuru from East Journey
Dewayne Everettsmith
Grant Nundhirribala
Djopla McKenzie
Jimblah
Rolku Band (Milingimbi)
PLUS the
Original members of Yothu Yindi
AND special guest
David Gulpilil
