Dr G’s memorable music spoke to all people, says Indigenous leader Reverend Djiniyini Gondarra

THE music of Dr G Yunupingu – recorded with the Saltwater Band, Yothu Yindi and in his solo career – spoke of unity between black and white Australians

Reverend Gondarra at the memorial service for Dr G Yunupingu.

THE music of Dr G Yunupingu – recorded with the Saltwater Band, Yothu Yindi and in his solo career – spoke of unity between black and white Australians.

Indigenous leader Reverend Djiniyini Gondarra said Dr Yunupingu was an “ambassador” for Aboriginal Australians.

He said Dr Yunupingu’s prodigious talent was clear from the time he was a child, playing with toys and musical instruments on Elcho Island. He said Dr G Yunupingu’s music spoke to Australians.

“There was no other ways of trying to proclaim or say something to Australian people about the land, about the sea, about the Aboriginal spirituality and the genesis he was representing his own people through this music he had,” he said.

“He knew what he was trying to do. He speaks loud, he represents his people. A blind man but God’s gift was in him to demonstrate and show all Australians – whether Balanda (white) or Yolngu – what it means to be a musician.

“We lost a great man. I hope there will be another one coming to represent not only Yolngu people but all Australians ... to unite us ... because we are Australians.

“Dr Yunupingu has brought something into this country we are proud of.”

Djungatjunga Yunupingu said his nephew brought people together.

“He wasn’t fighting for himself; he wasn’t talking for himself. He was talking for all Australians. For all Australians to unite and walk together,” he said.

“He wasn’t talking for his own clan, Gumatj. He was talking in his own language, telling the world who he was and where he came from.

“He was bringing people together.”