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Australian indigenous singer Yunupingu dies | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
One of Australia's leading indigenous figures, singer Yunupingu, has died at the age of 56. | |
The lead singer of Yothu Yindi died at his home in the Northern Territory after suffering from kidney disease. | The lead singer of Yothu Yindi died at his home in the Northern Territory after suffering from kidney disease. |
Yunupingu was a significant cultural figure whose music helped bridge the divide between white and black Australians. | |
He is also widely credited with introducing indigenous music to the world with the 1990s hit Treaty. | He is also widely credited with introducing indigenous music to the world with the 1990s hit Treaty. |
The song, which blends indigenous music and rock, made him a household name. | The song, which blends indigenous music and rock, made him a household name. |
It also helped win him the Australian of the Year award in 1992, for "building bridges of understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people". | It also helped win him the Australian of the Year award in 1992, for "building bridges of understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people". |
"We have lost a uniquely talented musician, a passionate advocate for Aboriginal people and a truly great friend," Prime Minister Julia Gillard said. | "We have lost a uniquely talented musician, a passionate advocate for Aboriginal people and a truly great friend," Prime Minister Julia Gillard said. |
Before entering the music industry, Yunupingu was a teacher. | |
He was the first Aboriginal person from Arnhem Land to gain a university degree and also Australia's first indigenous school principal, taking over as head of the Yirrkala Community School in 1990. | He was the first Aboriginal person from Arnhem Land to gain a university degree and also Australia's first indigenous school principal, taking over as head of the Yirrkala Community School in 1990. |
Yothu Yindi toured internationally and released a successful album in 1992, Tribal Voice. | Yothu Yindi toured internationally and released a successful album in 1992, Tribal Voice. |
Former Midnight Oil singer Peter Garret, who is now an Australian government minister, described him as a "path breaker and leader. A shining light for his people." | Former Midnight Oil singer Peter Garret, who is now an Australian government minister, described him as a "path breaker and leader. A shining light for his people." |