Gurrumul Yunupingu to Be Posthumously Inducted into ARIA Hall of Fame for a Second Time
SYDNEY — Gurrumul Yunupingu, the revered blind musician from Elcho Island in the Northern Territory, will be posthumously inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame on June 11. The honor marks a rare milestone: he becomes one of the few Australian performers to be inducted twice, having previously received the accolade as a member of Yothu Yindi in 2012.
"We are really proud of him, of Gurrumul, to get the hall of fame. It's really special to the family, to all Gumatj family." — Don Wininba, brother-in-law
A Life of Music and Cultural Resonance
Born blind and speaking limited English, Gurrumul first gained prominence as a member of the groundbreaking Indigenous bands Yothu Yindi and Saltwater Band before launching a deeply influential solo career. His debut solo album sold over half a million copies, and his extraordinary voice earned him a global audience. He performed alongside international icon Sting, and his work won devoted fans including Elton John and Quincy Jones.
"His angelic voice connected with fans across the globe... His songs speak of identity, spirit, connection with the land, the elements, and the ancestral beings to whom he is related." — ARIA statement
Gurrumul passed away in 2017 at age 46 following an illness.
Family and Collaborators Celebrate the Honor
Michael Hohnen, a longtime collaborator, noted the significance of the recognition: "The ARIA Hall of Fame is a great acknowledgement and I also think it's really good for the family."
A Night of Multiple Inductees
Gurrumul will be inducted alongside an impressive lineup of Australian music talent, including Spiderbait, Jenny Morris, Kate Ceberano, Vika and Linda, and The Living End.