Today’s Song of the Day is from Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu’s debut self-titled album. The song’s name is “Djarimirri” and displays Gurrumul’s beautiful voice whilst effortlessly and enchantingly strutting his guitar alongside friend and fellow musician, Michael Hohnen on the cello. Gurrumul – who I previously wrote about here – was born blind, is very shy and speaks very little English – Michael Hohnen assists Gurrumul as his guide and interpreter – singing the majority of his songs in the Gälpu, Gumatj and Djambarrpuynu Yolŋu Matha languages of his homeland, Arnhem Land.
Guy Maestri's Archibald Prize-winning portrait of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
Whilst you will not understand the lyrics of this song and most of his other songs*, you will undoubtedly understand the raw emotion and feeling which burst from his wonderful, passionate voice. These universal human emotions transcend all cultural and ethnic divides and unite us all wherever we may be from, whatever customs we follow and whatever we look like.
(* – Actually, his site does contain English translations of his songs, click the name of the song and the lyrics – along with English translation – will appear)
Accolades and favourable reviews such as this one – where he is described as having “… the greatest voice this continent (Australia) has produced” – for his first album, continue to flood in and Gurrumul’s wonderful voice is starting to be heard outside of Australia, with Gurrumul having recently toured England.
And, without further a due, “Djarimirri” by Gurrumul.
Enjoy~!
Posted by elcanguro76 
