The word ‘banbirrngu’ has a few different meanings, and one of those is the rainbow python, but it is essentially about the cycle of life; we all come from the ground and return to the ground. ‘Banbirrngu - The Orchestral Sessions’ is here and it is yours! Link in bio.
Yolngu have a deep and long spiritual connection to the land that goes back thousands of years. In very recent history, missionaries from various denominations of Christianity came to Arnhem Land and took Yolngu from their homelands and established missions. Some of this saved Yolngu from mercenary pastoralists and stockmen. The concept of religion is now balanced in many Yolngu people’s lives. Amazing Grace is a hymn that is sung by Yolngu which embodies some of this journey and sentiment and the Orchestral Version is yours now. Stream it now – Link in Bio
Banbirrngu – This song speaks of the interconnectedness and fluidity of life and the environment. Life is but another dimension, for earth, rocks, hills, salt and fresh water are part of this continuum, where each has a place and part in the play. This song tells of becoming one with the ancestor, one again with the land, the springs, of what we are and from where we come.
Single Out Now – Link in Bio
Wednesday last week, Gurrumul won the ARIA Award for Best World Music Album. Thank you to everyone who voted for this album. It was an unexpected gift to end the year, and thank you @aria_official
We acknowledge that we have been left with a huge legacy. We spent so much time over many years making this music with Gurrumul and as such were able to produce some music that will live with us forever.
At all times we thank and reflect on the family’s commitment to maintaining this with us, and guiding us.
The title track of this album was from the Rrakala album, his second solo album, a powerful funeral song amongst other things.
All the songs are taken from different parts of his life and treated so beautifully by these collaborators.
This album has been produced for vinyl. It sounds rich, timeless and special, and we hope you enjoy it.
Thanks also to Decca Australia and the @universalmusicau team, including Cyrus, Quincy, Bruno, and Garret, as well as @sonymusicpubaus@skinnyfish_music SGC media, Erkki Veltheim, Mark Grose, Next Episode, Nick Walker, The Prague Metropolitan Orchestra, Duane Preston, Christian Scallan at The Soft Centre and all the Yolngu families.
Celebrate World Sleep Day with the @worldsleepsociety 💤 “Banbirrngu (Rainbow Serpent Ambient Mix),” featuring Gurrumul’s haunting vocals and beautiful ethereal soundscapes, is part of this year’s World Sleep Day compilation. As Kathleen Noonan said in 2008, “Gurrumul will change the way you breathe”.
When it comes to Gurrumul’s music, my connection goes beyond the notes. The stories hold time, the spirits of those before, and the love of living Country. The songs are a beautiful recipe of Culture, Connection and Spirit . These tunes sound like honey to the ear but with a weight that feels like ancestral power and strength.
I’m honoured to create this short beautiful animation
for the release of Banbirrngu - The Orchestral Sessions, out today!
His story continues! ✨✨✨
We are very excited to have just opened our copies of the new Banbirrngu album out this Friday.
It looks and sounds beautiful and uplifting. Gurrumul would be proud.
It will be out on streaming services (including Spatial Audio version which are a first for us) mixed by Christian Scallan, but also old fashioned physical on both CD and vinyl pictured here.
Thanks to all the @umusicau team for working on this so supportively.
From all the @skinnyfish_music Darwin crew
Bäru is Yolngu for ‘crocodile’ and just as the crocodile is always aware of, and returns to her nest, the Gumatj people look to their ancestral and cultural roots. It’s a song that Gurrumul often included in his shows, including one he gave at the @sydneyoperahouse
We’re privileged to announce the release of “Banbirrngu - The Orchestral Sessions,” a stunning reimagining of Gurrumul’s beloved songs with the Prague Metropolitan Orchestra.
Gurrumul’s ethereal voice touched hearts worldwide, bridging cultures and generations. This blind Gumatj man from Elcho Island sang predominantly in his native Yolngu languages, creating a timeless sound that resonated globally.
“Banbirrngu - The Orchestral Sessions” offers a fresh perspective on Gurrumul’s music, ranging from subtle to grand orchestral expressions. Available on vinyl ,CD and mixed in Spatial Audio for the first time, it adds a new dimension to his recordings.
Gurrumul’s impact extends far beyond his music. He brought Yolngu song traditions to mainstream platforms, fostering understanding and inspiring a new generation of Indigenous voices. His family, recognising the importance of his contributions, expressed their wish for his name and legacy to live on, not to be forgotten.
Link in bio
“His performance is immediately magnificent, its impact intensified by a sense of the generous energies involved for such an introverted artist.” – The Guardian, 2013
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of the Danish Royal Family met Gurrumul and Mayirri Gurruwiwi a couple of times, including one time where he performed for them at the @sydneyoperahouse They are such a lovely couple, the meeting that day was less formal than this photo looks.
