The late Gurrumul has created Australian music history by reaching #1 on the ARIA charts with an album in an Australian Indigenous language.
The posthumously-released Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow) is the final chapter in the musical story of Gurrumul – over four years in the making and completed just weeks before his passing in 2017.
It's an astounding achievement of music, presenting traditional songs and harmonised chants from his traditional Yolngu life with dynamic and hypnotic orchestral arrangements in a blend of the highest forms of both his culture and our European orchestral tradition.
The work has received overwhelming critical praise for its beauty and significance, with Bruce Elder of Sydney Morning Herald writing, "This is the point where ancient Aboriginal culture and modern western orchestral traditions fall into a loving embrace and a totally new music is born. Yes, this recording is that important," and Joshua Turk of Beat Magazine said "Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow) is, to put it simply, a masterpiece," ahead of a 10/10.
"Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow) is, to put it simply, a masterpiece"
Michael Hohnen, producer and friend to the singer, said "This album is a testament to this great Australian and his family, all Yolngu and the greater Aboriginal population. The history he has made taking a true Australian language and heritage to number one proves the strength of the underlying cultural identity of this nation".The stunning result wasn't without hard work and collaboration from many quarters. When it became clear Djarimirri was in a position to topple Ed Sheeran and create history, many in the Australian independent music industry were vocal and active in encouraging sales.
None moreso than head publicist Stephen Green who, after the result, took to social media extolling, "We did it! Thank you SO much to everyone who gave their support this week to bring home the first #1 album ever in an Indigenous Australian language. We have created an amazing final chapter in the story of an amazing artist. Congratulations to his family and to the team ... and everyone who contributed shares, tweets, sales, reviews, interviews and thoughts to make this a truly community effort."
