Tributes Are Pouring In For Late Indigenous Music Icon Dr G Yunupingu

One of Australia’s most prominent Indigenous musical artists, Dr G Yunupingu, has passed away at the age of 46.

The singer, who came from the remote Galiwin’ku community on Elcho Island off the coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, was known for his incredible singing voice, and recorded songs in both English and his native Yolngu language. He was also a gifted instrumentalist, and could play the guitar, keyboard, drums and didgeridoo.

In a statement Yunupingu’s record label, Skinnyfish Music, called the artist “the Australian voice of a generation” and said that “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”.

Born blind, Yunupingu rose to prominence in 2008 with the release of his self-titled album, which hit triple platinum and won an ARIA award. Since then he performed for Queen Elizabeth, Barack Obama, and Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark. He also collaborated with the likes of Sting and Briggs.

He was also a community leader, and was the driving force behind the G Yunupingu Foundation, which supported arts and cultural programs for young Indigenous people in remote communities.

I’m really going to miss my friend, Dr. G Yunupingu. I’ll find the right words soon. Love to his family n Mark & Michael @ @skinnyfishmusic. pic.twitter.com/AITt6hmdpl

— Senator Briggs (@BriggsGE) July 25, 2017

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.

— Peter Garrett (@pgarrett) July 25, 2017

Another beautiful soul taken too soon. A proud Yolngu man who inspired millions through his music. RIP Dr G. Yunupingu. Your songs live on. pic.twitter.com/FxoVhwnS8t

— Allan Clarke (@AllanJClarke) July 25, 2017

Dr G Yunupingu was a remarkable Australian sharing Yolngu language with the world through music. Prayers for Galiwin’ku & family & friends

— Malcolm Turnbull (@TurnbullMalcolm) July 25, 2017

Dr Yunupingu. A great Australian gone too soon. Blind since birth, he helped Australians see the wonder of the world’s oldest living culture

— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) July 25, 2017

Vale Dr G Yunupingu, another one of our young men gone too soon https://t.co/tcXBsszfMH

— Linda Burney MP (@LindaBurneyMP) July 25, 2017

According to the ABC, Yunupingu was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital on Thursday by his friend Vaughan Williams. Williams had been contacted by people concerned that the singer had not received renal treatment for kidney problems related to Hepatitis B, which Yunupingu contracted as a child.

“Questions need to be asked about how this could happen,” Williams told the public broadcaster, adding that he felt Yunupingu’s death was “preventable”.

“I feel he was trapped in the same cycle of bad health that so many Indigenous people are trapped in.”

Yunupingu also made headlines in April last year after his manager alleged the singer was left to bleed for eight hours in Royal Darwin Hospital due to racial profiling. The claim was dismissed by NT Health Minister John Elferink as a publicity stunt, but backed up by Yunupingu’s private doctor, who said “we know that racial profiling happens at RDH… We know it happens right around Australia.”

For cultural reasons, Junkee has not used Dr Yunupingu’s full name. His family has also asked that people refrain from sharing photographs.