World famous musician Dr Yunupingu succumbed to his long battle with chronic illness.
The beloved Indigenous musician died at the age of 46, at Royal Darwin Hospital on Tuesday.
As reported by the Australian, “his full name is being withheld for cultural reasons, at the request of his family.”
Dr Yunupingu, who was born blind, was an international star, known for his breathtaking voice, playing the guitar upside-down and introducing indigenous culture through music.
His publicist released the following statement:
“Dr G. Yunpingu is remembered today as one of the most important figures in Australian music history, blind from birth and emerging from the remote Galiwin’ku community on Elcho Island off the coast of Arnhem Land to sell over half a million copies of his albums across the world, singing in his native Yolngu language,” it read.
“His debut album cemented him as the Australian voice of a generation, hitting triple platinum in Australia, silver in the UK and charting in multiple other countries across the globe.”
“The highest selling Indigenous artist in history, Dr G. Yunupingu released two subsequent top five studio albums Rrakala and The Gospel Album, achieved a swag of ARIA Awards, performed across the globe for audiences including Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama and released the first Indigenous language single to reach the top five, all the while continuing to call Elcho Island home.”
“His legacy as a musician and community leader will continue as his life’s work continues its positive impact on Elcho Island, The Northern Territory, Australia and the world.”
“Skinnyfish Music and Dr G. Yunupingu’s family ask for your respect at this time.”
A documentary about his life is scheduled to premiere next month at the Melbourne Film Festival.
