The internationally renowned singer songwriter passed away yesterday in Darwin after a long battle with illness.

We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and community.

He has been widely described by many as the voice of a nation, he will be remembered as one of Australia's most prominent musicians having been the highest selling Indigenous artist in history.

After starting his career with the band Yothu Yindi, his solo career saw him achieve overwhelming international success selling more than half a million copies of his albums across the world.

Dr G Yunupingu also set up his self-named Foundation which aimed to create greater opportunities for Indigenous young people who live in remote areas. He wanted young people to realise their full potential and contribute to culturally vibrant and sustainable communities.

Dr Yunupingu was born blind in 1971. He overcame many barriers to inspire audiences with his music.

Through his music, his foundation and leadership Dr G Yunupingu has left a great legacy for all of us. He will continue to fill the world with his music and aspiration.

Vale Dr G Yunupingu.

Galiwin’ku, the Northern Territory and Australia have a lost true musical icon who will be remembered for his unique and brilliant voice and as a ground-breaking musician.

Dr G. Yunupingu took the sounds of his home at Galiwin’ku to the world, and all Territorians are extremely proud of what he has achieved in music and his community.

His music saw him win 3 ARIA awards and he was honoured as the 2009 recipient of the Northern Territory's Australian of the Year.

He was one of the very few artists around the world to have played for both a Queen of England and the President of the United States.

He was one of the Territory's most celebrated artists, whose voice and music was rich with his language and culture, which he shared with millions of people around the world.

On behalf of all Territorians and the Northern Territory Government, I express my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and the community of Galiwin’ku.

Today we mourn the loss of a great Australian, Dr G. Yunupingu who sadly passed away yesterday in Royal Darwin Hospital at age 46 after a long battle with illness.

Dr G. Yunpingu is remembered today as one of the most important figures in Australian music history, blind from birth and emerging from the remote Galiwin’ku community on Elcho Island off the coast of Arnhem land to sell over half a million copies of his albums across the world, singing in his native Yolngu language. 

His debut album cemented him as the Australian voice of a generation, hitting triple platinum in Australia, silver in the UK and charting in multiple other countries across the globe. The highest selling Indigenous artist in history, Dr G. Yunupingu released two subsequent top five studio albums Rrakala and The Gospel Album, achieved a swag of ARIA Awards, performed across the globe for audiences including Queen Elizabeth II and Barak Obama and released the first Indigenous language single to reach the top five, all the while continuing to call Elcho Island home.

 Dr G. Yunupingu also gave back to his community as the driving force behind the G. Yunupingu Foundation, creating opportunities for young people across the Northern Territory. 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.

 Skinnyfish Music and Dr G. Yunupingu’s family ask for your respect at this time.