George Rrurrambu

Didgeridoo, Musical Artist

1957 – 2007

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Who was George Rrurrambu?

George Burarrwanga, known in life as George Rrurrambu and George Djilangya, was a Yolngu man from Elcho Island in Arnhem Land. He was an icon of Aboriginal rock music, and was most well known as the charismatic frontman of the Warumpi Band.

Burarrwanga's musical career began in the late 1970s in Central Australia, when he helped form the Warumpi Band, which was also made up of Sammy Butcher, Gordon Butcher and Neil Murray.

In 1983 they released the single "Jailanguru Pakarnu", the first rock song ever released in an Australian Aboriginal language.

Three albums, Big Name No Blanket, Go Bush and Too Much Humbug, followed, including the anthemic songs "Blackfella/Whitefella" and "My Island Home", the latter of which was made famous when it was covered by Christine Anu in 1995.

Burarrwanga performed at a number of major music festivals, including WOMADelaide, the Melbourne International Arts Festival, the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the indigenous music events Stompen Ground in Broome and the Garma Festival in Gove.

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Born
1957
Northern Territory
Also known as
  • Rrurrambu, George
  • George Burarrwanga
Ethnicity
  • Indigenous Australians
Died
Jun 10, 2007

Submitted
on July 23, 2013

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