The National Indigenous Music Awards have confirmed that Yothu Yindi will be celebrated at the NIMAs and original members of the legendary band will perform.
Rrawun Maymuru, Photo By Ros O'Gorman
Mark Smith, Manager of Music NT and presenters of the NIMAs launched the 2013 in Melbourne today (May 16). He said what while Yothu Yindi leader Mandawuy Yunupingu is still very ill he hopes to be there this year.
In a statement Mandawuy said, “My heart is full of joy. I am so happy to see that in my lifetime indigenous music has come such a long way. And to have these talented artists come together to honour the ground-breaking work of Yothu Yindi makes me proud beyond words”.
The Melbourne launch featured a performance of ‘Mainstream’ by Mandaway’s grandson Rrawun Maymuru with soul-father Kutcha Edwards, didjeridu player William Barton and Francis Diatschenko. Rrawun is a member of East Journey.
In Mandawuy’s place Yothu Yindi will be fronted at the NIMAs by Rrawun and Kutcha.
Nominations for the National Indigenous Music Awards close on June 15th, 2013. Nominate acts at nima.musicnt.com.au
The National Indigenous Music Awards will be announced on August 10, 2013 at the Darwin Amphitheatre, Darwin, Northern Territory.
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