Yirrmal Marika (born 1993), known mononymously Yirrmal, is an Indigenous Australian vocalist. A Yolngu man, his music features traditional sounds and elements of Yolŋu music.[1]
Yirrmal | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Yirrmal Marika |
| Born | 1993 Yirrkala, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Origin | Northern Territory, Australia |
| Instrument(s) |
|
| Years active | 2013–present |
Yirrmal Marika was born in 1993 in Yirrkala in the Rirratjingu clan and began learning music at age 11.[2]
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.[1][2] 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."[2]
Yirrmal moved to Geelong, Victoria in 2011.[3]
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.[2]
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".[4] 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."[3] ABC Radio called it "deeply affecting and joyously celebrating his upbringing and place in the world."[5]
In 2017, Yirrmal featured on Baker Boy's "Marryuna". The song ranked at number 17 in Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2017.[6] At the Music Victoria Awards of 2018 "Marryuna" won Best Song.[7] and at the National Indigenous Music Awards 2018, the video won Film Clip of the Year.[8]
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.[9]
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Youngblood |
|
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Deep Blue Sea"[10] | 2013 | non album single |
| "For Everyone" (with Jordie Lane)[11] |
2019 | TBA |
| "Dhaliwuy Bay"[12] | 2022 | TBA |
| "Promised Land" (featuring Dami Im)[9][13] |
TBA | |
| "Shining Light"[14] | TBA |
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Marryuna" (Baker Boy featuring Yirrmal) |
2017 | Non-album single |
| "Keep On Rolling" (Neil Murray featuring Emma Donovan & Yirrmal)[15] |
2021 | |
| "Ride" (Baker Boy featuring Yirrmal)[16] |
Gela |
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Blackfella/Whitefella" | 2017 | Deadly Hearts (Volume One) |
| "Treaty" (Midnight Oil featuring Yirrmal) |
2018 | Armistice Day |
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.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | "Marryuna" (with Baker Boy) | Best Independent Single or EP | Nominated | [17][18] |
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.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | "Marryuna" (with Baker Boy) | Urban Work of the Year | Nominated | [19] |
The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) recognise excellence, dedication, innovation and outstanding contribution to the Northern Territory music industry.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Yirrmal | New Talent of the Year | Nominated | [20][21] |
| "The Bridge" | Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2019 | "For Everyone" | Film Clip of the Year | Nominated | [22] |
| Song of the Year | Nominated | |||
| 2021 | "Ride" (Baker Boy featuring Yirrmal) | Film Clip of the Year | Pending | [23] |