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Yirrmal Marika (born 1993), known mononymously as Yirrmal, is an Indigenous Australian vocalist. A Yolngu man, his music features traditional sounds and elements of Yolŋu music.

Early life

Yirrmal Marika was born in 1993 in Yirrkala in the Rirratjingu clan and began learning music at age 11.

Personal life

Yirrmal's father, Witiyana Marika, was a singer and dancer in Yothu Yindi and is related to Dr Gurrumul Yunupingu on his mother's side. Yirrmal cites his grandfather and former lead singer of Yothu Yindi, Dr Yunupingu as his biggest influence saying "He was my inspiration since I was a kid. He did great things for all Australians. There are a lot of other Indigenous people that I look up to also – people such as Archie Roach, Gurrumul, Saltwater Band, Dan Sultan, Jessica Mauboy and Rrawun Maymuru. I see what they have done for their people."

Yirrmal moved to Geelong, Victoria in 2011.

Career

In 2013, Yirrmal released his debut single "Deep Blue Sea". He performed the song at numerous events including Australasian Worldwide Music Expo as a solo artist and as Yirrmal & The Yolngu Boys.

In November 2016, Yirrmal released his debut EP Youngblood, telling the ABC Radio "We're living in two worlds, learning in two worlds, carrying a message, a sharing of culture". Melissa Davis from Forte Magazine gave the EP 5 out of 5 saying "His rich voice combined with his lyrics tells the stories of dreams, the issues in society and his culture – a unique insight." ABC Radio called it "deeply affecting and joyously celebrating his upbringing and place in the world."

In 2017, Yirrmal featured on Baker Boy's "Marryuna". The song ranked at number 17 in Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2017. At the Music Victoria Awards of 2018 "Marryuna" won Best Song. and at the National Indigenous Music Awards 2018, the video won Film Clip of the Year.

In August 2022, Yirrmal released "Promised Land", featuring Dami Im. The song was produced by Andrew Farriss, and is expected to be taken off Yirrmal's self-titled debut album, scheduled to be released later in the year.

In March 2023, Yirrmal released "Love Sweet Love" co-written with Shane Howard of Goanna.

Discography

Extended plays

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Guest appearances

Awards and nominations

AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards (known informally as the AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are held in Australia and New Zealand by the Australasian Performing Right Association to recognise songwriting skills, sales and airplay performance by its members annually.

National Indigenous Music Awards

The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) recognise excellence, dedication, innovation and outstanding contribution to the Northern Territory music industry.

References

1. ^ Oderberg, Isabelle (7 September 2016). "Yirrmal on Beat". Beat Magazine. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
2. ^ "Yirrkala Music Man". Deadly Vibe. November 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
3. ^ Davis, Melissa (2016). "Yirrmal: Young Blood". Forte Magazine. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
4. "Yirrmal spans two cultures in song and voice". ABC. 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
5. "Yirrmal: Youngblood". ABC. 7 November 2016. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
6. "Baker Boy has two songs crack Triple J Hottest 100 countdown". NT News. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
7. "Previous Winners". Music Victoria Awards. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
8. "2018 National Indigenous Music Award Winners". National Indigenous Music Awards. 26 March 2019. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
9. ^ "Eurovision star Dami Im collaborates with Yirrmal on new song 'Promised Land'". AussieVision. 26 August 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
10. ^ ""Yirrmal's Captivating New Single "Love Sweet Love": A Stunning Showcase of Australian Soulful Blues and Roots Sound"". Crush Cop. 28 March 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
11. "Yirrmal Marika". Forte Magazine. 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2021.
12. "For Everyone – Single by Yirrmal & Jordie Lane on Apple Music". Apple Music. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
13. "New Aus Music Playlist Additions 20/05/22". Music Feeds. 13 May 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
14. "New Aus Music Playlist Additions 26/08/22". Music Feeds. 26 August 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
15. "Shining Light - Single". Apple Music. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2022.
16. "Yirrmal Drops Inspirational New Single 'Keep Rolling On'". The Music. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
17. "Keep On Rolling – Single by Neil Murray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 22 January 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
18. Rose, Anna (24 March 2021). "Baker Boy collaborates with Yirrmal on fresh new single, "Ride'". NME Australia. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
19. Jenke, Tyler (17 April 2018). "2018 AIR Awards Nominees". The Industry Observer. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
20. "History Wins". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
21. "2019 APRA Awards nominees announced". noise11. 27 March 2019. Retrieved 29 March 2019.
22. "2017 National Indigenous Music Awards finalists". theindustryobserver. July 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2019.
23. "2017 Winners". National Indigenous Music Awards. NIMA. 22 August 2017. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
24. "National Indigenous Music Awards Unveils 2019 Nominations". nima. 18 July 2019. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
25. Cashmere, Paul (8 July 2021). "NIMA Nominees Revealed". noise11. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
26. Mary Varvaris (12 July 2023). "Budjerah & Wildfire Manwurrk Lead NIMA Finalist Nominations". The Music. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
27. "Here Are All the Winners from the 2023 National Indigenous Music Awards". Music Feeds. 12 August 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2023.

• 21st-century Australian singers
• 21st-century Australian male singers
• Indigenous Australian musicians
• Living people
• 1993 births