Rirratjingu Music Program
Nurturing new talent through music jam sessions, events, and funding. Enriching Yolŋu music with community connection and engagement.
Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) reinvests profits back into supporting the community through a range of community programs. Among these many programs sits the Rirratjingu Music Program.
Our Rirratjingu Music Program provides opportunity to enhance and to the enrich our Yolŋu culture by improving community connection, storytelling and engagement.
Our Yolŋu Indigenous ancestors have used traditional Aboriginal music in Dreamtime storytelling, ceremonial dances, and ‘Welcome to Country’ customs for centuries. The RAC Music Program helps this culture thrive, from traditional Aboriginal music to contemporary music.
Established through Yothu Yindi’s famous legacy 25 years ago, the RAC Music Program aims to put Yolŋu music in the spotlight. The Yirrkala-born band were able to take Yolŋu music to the National Stage, and in doing so won eight ARIA awards. It was a huge achievement that continues to inspire the Rirratjingu clan and the wider community.
What started as an inspiring band’s dream has forever improved our Indigenous contemporary music program. Witiyana Marika, a founding member of Yothu Yindi and RAC director, continues to shape the Music Program with his talent and music industry experience.
The RAC Music Program aims to support many Yolŋu community members on their music journey. Whether you want to connect and listen to new music or you want to learn an instrument, the Music Program is for everyone. Our main arms of the Music Program are:
- Community jam sessions and music classes
- Emerging talent sponsorship
- Festival and event funding in the Yirrkala region
The Yolŋu Music Culture
The essence of the land resonates within the song, and the song echoes the spirit of the land.
Yolŋu music is intertwined with spirituality and connection to the land. We believe that the world was essentially sung into existence by spiritual beings.
Ancestral songlines can depict the connection to a particular area of land and how it came into being. In Aboriginal culture, ancestors pass down these sacred dreamtime stories to the next generation through Manikay (songs), with both consistency and accuracy.
There is no one “composer” in traditional Yolŋu music. We believe that our songlines originate from our spiritual icons and have been shared and protected between ancestors.
Music goes beyond the instruments and our voices. It is a way to connect to land, water and each other. It underpins our very existence.
This Manikay describes the journey of the two Wawilak Sisters; ancestral beings and creators of Rirratjingu Law. The sisters travelled through Arnhem Land, hunting and gathering food, and making camp. As they travelled, they sang, naming and giving meaning to the land, plants, animals, people and spirits.
Contemporary Yolŋu Music
Many Yolŋu artists from North East Arnhem Land have combined traditional Aboriginal music with modern music industry elements.
Through traditional instruments, rituals and lyrics, Yolŋu music and stories can reach a wider audience. We bring something unique to the music industry and Australia’s Arts.
Some contemporary Yolŋu artists, who influence our music program, include:
Yothu Yindi – Since the 1980s, Yothu Yindi have blended pop and rock music guitars and drums with Indigenous Yidaki (Didgeridoo) and Bilma (Clap sticks). Their song “Treaty” was the first ever song sung in the Aboriginal language to receive International recognition.
East Journey – A rock/reggae band established in 2010 combining electric rock with the soft sound of the Yidaki (Didgeridoo) and Bilma (Clap sticks).
Yirrmal Marika – Yirrmal is the son of Witiyana Marika, a founding member of Yothu Yindi. With incredible talent and a beautiful singing voice, Yirrmal brings stories about his homeland and culture to the contemporary music industry.
Rirratjingu’s Music Program Details
We are passionate about recognising excellent Yolŋu talent and giving them a platform to be heard across the country.
It can be hard to gain professional industry-based opportunities in the remote region of North East Arnhem Land. To make national and international music industry contacts, artists need to record their music, travel to multiple events and festivals and market themselves. This is where RAC sponsorship can help.
Through the guidance of Witiyana Marika (Yothu Yindi) and Yirrmal Marika (solo artist), who have held positions on the RAC board, we can provide emerging artists with the tools and resources needed to thrive.
Previous sponsorship has included:
- Yirrmal Marika – Yirrmal is an acclaimed singer songwriter and a proud member of the Rirratjingu clan. He began his musical journey at age 11. RAC has been able to provide sponsorship to Yirrmal by supporting him to launch his website and his YouTube channel, and in refreshing both his Instagram and Facebook social media platforms.
With RAC sponsorship Yirrmal was able to launch three (3) professional music videos. Support has also been provided by engaging him in regular gigs at Yarrapay and in town for town markets and events. - Garrangali Band – The Garrangali Band, also known as Garrangali, is an Aboriginal Australian musical group from the tiny homeland community, or outstation, of Baniyala in East Arnhem Land. Garrangali means “home of the crocodile” in the Yolŋu language, in which they sing some lyrics.
The band came on to the scene in 2009, when they were nominated for the Emerging Artist award at the National Indigenous Music Awards 2009. At the ceremony in 2010 they won two categories: album of the year, with their debut, Crocodile Nest, and song of the year for “Sea Rights”.
RAC provided sponsorship to Garrangali to support their tour along the east coast of Australia in 2022. The sponsorship support for their One Voice tour and official first album contributed to a viable, safe and healthy tour for band members. - Gapu Ngupan – Gapu Ngupan features Banula Marika, the younger brother of Rirratjingu leaders, Bakamumu, Mandaka and Witiyana Marika.
RAC has provided support for Gapu Ngupan on multiple occasions with a recent sponsorship in 2024 to assist with a First Nations collaboration of music, song and dance (Chasing the Rainbow). At its heart, Gapu Ngupan’s music celebrates Yolŋu stories about how other nations journeyed to, and interacted with Yolŋu people over the millennia before the recent European voyages. It speaks to Australia’s true and rich history, and celebrates our place in the world. - Song Spirals – Song Spirals amongst Yolŋu people from Northeast Arnhem Land is a rare opportunity for outsiders to experience Aboriginal women’s role in crying the songlines in a very authentic and direct form. RAC provided sponsorship to bring ancient narratives of landscape to attend a Darwin festival.
The performance was a rare opportunity for the audience to connect with the living tradition of women’s songlines, as recounted by Yolŋu women from far north Australia. - East Arnhem Live – East Arnhem Live is an annual music festival in the East Arnhem region, hosting events in Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala and Gunyaŋara in celebration of Yolŋu (Indigenous) and Balanda (non-Indigenous) music and culture.
RAC provided sponsorship support to East Arnhem Live to help launch music careers for talented Rirratjingu clan members. Their music and ceremonial leadership inspire the local community and can spread awareness of their culture, history and spirit.
To find out about our sponsorship programs, Contact Us.
Music Event Funding and Regional Development
Indigenous music deserves a local stage and festival. The RAC Music Program ensures funding is provided to building a music industry in North East Arnhem Land to celebrate Yolŋu music, culture and community.
Through our funding, we can bring professional industry-based opportunities to the Gove Peninsula region. Notable funding has included:
The Roy Marika Stage at the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre
In collaboration with the Cotton On Foundation and the State and Federal Governments, RAC was able to build a multi-functional stage and studio for musicians.
Yarrapay Music and Dance Festival
Every year, RAC funding is given to the spectacular Yarrapay festival in Yirrkala, North East Arnhem Land. Starting with a traditional Bunggul and Welcome to Country, the festival goes on to showcase Yolŋu talent, from music industry professionals to school groups.
Music Program Jam Sessions and Learning
Our regular music program and jamming session are designed to provide opportunity for everyone in the Yolŋu community. Whether you want to listen and support, or get involved with the jam sessions, we are happy to have you.
We run regular jam sessions at The Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre at least once a month. Come and be inspired by a performance by Yolŋu musicians and celebrate our connection to the land and our ancestors.
Through music, we can connect and uplift each other. We can support one another to smile, thrive and stay grounded.
Who is the Music Program for?
The Music Program is for everyone in the Yolŋu community. No matter your age, gender or musical ability, you will be welcomed with open arms.
Teens and young adults are encouraged to join in the jam sessions and learn an instrument. We have a “give it a go” attitude. No vibe or musical interest is dismissed.
What can you expect from the program?
The music jam sessions showcase the beating heart of the Yolŋu community. Music brings us together and connects us to our history and our spirituality.
You can expect a community picnic feel from our music program. Grab a blanket, bring your whole family and soothe your soul with our earthy music. Support the community members who want to “give it a go” and try a new instrument!
You can expect to be encouraged to play music but not pressured into it.
Music-making is not a requirement. Listening and community connection is!
All resources needed to make incredible music are included. Some of the instruments you can expect include:
Bilma (Clap Sticks)
Clap sticks are a traditional percussive instrument used in Aboriginal music across all Indigenous communities. They can be played by both men and women and we usually use them to maintain the rhythm of vocal chants and rituals.
Yidaki (Didgeridoo)
Our beloved sacred Yidaki was invented by our ancestors in North East Arnhem Land. We have many traditional handmade Yidaki’s and talented musicians to teach the next generation. The Yidaki requires continuous circular breathing and is hard skill to master. Community members are encouraged to join regular sessions to learn how to play our native, sacred instrument!
Traditionally, only male clan members are allowed to play the Yidaki.
Other instruments include: Guitars, Drums, Piano
How much does it cost?
Our music jam sessions are completely free for the community!
How is the Music Program funded?
Our Music Program is funded through our community social program supported by RAC and through additional grant funding where available.
How long does the program last?
The music jam sessions run all year round and is planned for at least once every month. The sessions last at least 2 hours to ensure all participants have an opportunity to play songs, dance and connect.
Follow our Rirratjingu Facebook page for the music program event details.
How does the music program improve future opportunities?
Music can encourage our community to connect to their land, ancestors and spirituality. It can give them the enthusiasm to protect their Yolŋu culture and thrive in a modern world.
Our music program brings families together from all clans in North East Arnhem Land.
Music Program Alumni
“The Rirratjingu Music Program has given me the chance to share my culture through music, to grow as an artist, and to connect with my community in a deeper way. Music is our voice, our story, and our future. With the support of RAC, I’ve been able to take my music to a wider audience—launching my website and YouTube channel, refreshing my social platforms, and creating professional music videos that showcase Yolŋu culture. The opportunity to perform regularly at Yarrapay Festival, and other events, has strengthened my journey as a musician and storyteller, keeping our traditions alive through song.” – Yirrmal Marika
Get Involved With Our Music Program
RAC is always looking to develop the region and enhance the Yolŋu culture. For talent sponsorship or funding opportunities, please contact our Community and Culture team.To get involved with our beautiful music sessions, follow our Rirratjingu Facebook page for updates.
