Tributes flow for acclaimed Australian Aboriginal singer Gurrumul, dead aged 46
Blind from birth, he emerged from the remote Galiwin’ku community on Elcho Island off the coast of Arnhem Land in Australia’s north to sell over half a million albums worldwide
World-renowned indigenous singer Gurrumul has died after a “long battle with illness” aged 46, his management said on Wednesday, as Australians hailed his contributions to music.
Born blind, the reluctant star never gave any interviews and was painfully shy, but his music drew worldwide acclaim, despite the fact that he performed in his Gumatj dialect which is understood by only about 3,000 people.
The singer –- whose full name is Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu – passed away at the Royal Darwin Hospital, his record label Skinnyfish Music Australia said in a statement.
“Today we mourn the loss of a great Australian, Dr G. Yunupingu who sadly passed away yesterday in Royal Darwin Hospital at age 46 after a long battle with illness,” Skinnyfish said, without giving further details.
Australians, including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, took to social media to pay tribute to the singer.
“Dr G Yunupingu was a remarkable Australian sharing Yolngu language with the world through music. Prayers for Galiwin’ku & family & friends,” Turnbull tweeted.