Prominent Australian Aboriginal musician Dr G Yunupingu dies aged 46
dpa
SYDNEY (dpa)- One of Australia's most prominent indigenous musicians, Dr G Yunupingu, has died aged 46, his record label confirmed Wednesday.
Born blind and hailing from the remote Galiwin'ku community off the coast of northern Australia, the triple platinum singer performed mainly in his native Yolngu language.
His unique singing voice saw him perform for foreign heads of state such as former US president Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II.
The singer died in Royal Darwin Hospital on Tuesday after a long battle with illness, according to the statement from Darwin-based Skinnyfish Music.
"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," the statement said.
Yunupingu's death brought a swathe of tributes from across Australia, including from prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.
"Dr G Yunupingu was a remarkable Australian sharing Yolngu language with the world through music. Prayers for Galiwin'ku & family & friends," Turnbull said on Twitter on Wednesday.
"My dear friend Dr Yunupingu - a truly great musician - is gone. Very sad news. Too young, so much left to give. Heart goes out to family," former singer and politician Peter Garrett said.
Although his solo career brought him wider acclaim, Yunupingu was also formerly a member of Yothu Yindi, and later Saltwater Band.
He had been suffering ill health since 2011, national broadcaster ABC said.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The singer died in Royal Darwin Hospital on Tuesday after a long battle with illness, according to the statement from Darwin-based Skinnyfish Music.
"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," the statement said.
Yunupingu's death brought a swathe of tributes from across Australia, including from prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.
"Dr G Yunupingu was a remarkable Australian sharing Yolngu language with the world through music. Prayers for Galiwin'ku & family & friends," Turnbull said on Twitter on Wednesday.
"My dear friend Dr Yunupingu - a truly great musician - is gone. Very sad news. Too young, so much left to give. Heart goes out to family," former singer and politician Peter Garrett said.
Although his solo career brought him wider acclaim, Yunupingu was also formerly a member of Yothu Yindi, and later Saltwater Band.
He had been suffering ill health since 2011, national broadcaster ABC said.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------