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Yirrmal
Birth name Yirrmal Marika
Born 1993
Yirrkala, Northern Territory, Australia
Origin Northern Territory, Australia
Instruments
  • Vocals
Years active 2013–present
Associated acts

Yirrmal Marika (born in 1993), known simply as Yirrmal, is an Indigenous Australian singer. He is a Yolngu man from the Northern Territory. His music mixes traditional sounds with elements of Yolŋu culture.

Yirrmal's Early Life

Yirrmal Marika was born in 1993 in a place called Yirrkala. He belongs to the Rirratjingu clan. Yirrmal started learning music when he was 11 years old.

Yirrmal's Family and Inspirations

Yirrmal's father, Witiyana Marika, was a singer and dancer. He was part of the famous band Yothu Yindi. Yirrmal is also related to the well-known musician Dr Gurrumul Yunupingu.

Yirrmal says his biggest inspiration was his grandfather, Dr Yunupingu. Dr Yunupingu was also the lead singer of Yothu Yindi. Yirrmal shared that his grandfather "did great things for all Australians."

He also looks up to other Indigenous artists. These include Archie Roach, Gurrumul, Saltwater Band, Dan Sultan, Jessica Mauboy, and Rrawun Maymuru. Yirrmal moved to Geelong, Victoria in 2011.

Yirrmal's Music Career

Yirrmal began his music career in 2013. He released his first song, "Deep Blue Sea." He performed this song at many events. Sometimes he sang alone, and sometimes with his group, Yirrmal & The Yolngu Boys.

In November 2016, Yirrmal released his first collection of songs. It was an EP (Extended Play) called Youngblood. He explained that the music was about "living in two worlds." It shared messages and culture. A magazine called Forte Magazine gave the EP a perfect score. They said his voice and lyrics told stories of dreams and culture.

In 2017, Yirrmal worked with the artist Baker Boy. They made the song "Marryuna" together. This song became very popular. It reached number 17 on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2017 list. "Marryuna" also won "Best Song" at the Music Victoria Awards of 2018. Its music video won "Film Clip of the Year" at the National Indigenous Music Awards 2018.

Yirrmal continued to release new music. In August 2022, he released "Promised Land." This song featured the singer Dami Im. It was produced by Andrew Farriss. In March 2023, Yirrmal released "Love Sweet Love." He wrote this song with Shane Howard from the band Goanna.

Yirrmal's Extended Plays

  • Youngblood (Released: November 2016)

Awards and Nominations

Yirrmal has been recognized for his music. He has received nominations and awards for his songs.

AIR Awards

The AIR Awards celebrate independent music in Australia.

Year Nominated Work Award Result Ref.
2018 "Marryuna" (with Baker Boy) Best Independent Single or EP Nominated

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards recognize songwriting and music performance in Australia and New Zealand.

Year Nominated Work Award Result Ref.
2019 "Marryuna" (with Baker Boy) Urban Work of the Year Nominated

National Indigenous Music Awards

The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) celebrate excellent Indigenous music.

Year Nominated Work Award Result Ref.
2017 Yirrmal New Talent of the Year Nominated
2021 "Ride" (Baker Boy featuring Yirrmal) Film Clip of the Year Won
2023 "Promised Land" (featuring Dami Im) Song of the Year Nominated
"Indigenous" (Indigenous Outreach Project w/ Gunyangara, Yirrkala & Dhalinbuy featuring Yirrmal) Community Clip of the Year Nominated
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