Rrawun Maymuru comes from a long line of Yolngu songmen from Yirrkala, a remote community in North East Arnhem Land [NT]. He is the direct grandson of Dr Yunupingu and sings in both English and Yolngu Mata. His songs reflect a love for country and culture as well as his distinct perspective on the modern world.
A strong and prolific songwriter, Rrawun penned the song Bayini that gave Gurrumul Yunupingu his first No.1 ARIA chart single. In October 2016 Rrawun Maymuru debuted his live solo set at the request of Rhoda Roberts for Homeground Festival at the Sydney Opera House - it was here that we witnessed the power of Rrawun’s extraordinary vocal resonance and the way he can affect a great space within and without. In 2012 Rrawun Maymuru was awarded the GR Burrarwanga Memorial Award for best new talent at the National Indigenous Music Awards.
Rrawun now fronts Yothu Yindi and on occasion he also fronts the legendary Yolngu rock band East Journey who have been awarded the 2015 MusicNT Song of the Year [Rock category] and 2014 ‘Film Clip of the Year’ at the National Indigenous Music Awards [NIMAs] for Bright Lights Big City. Rrawun’s ability to transcend language and cultural barriers with his distinct resonance is an experience to be seen, heard and felt.
In 2024 Rrawun released the acclaimed 'Yolngu' EP in collaboration with Sydney-based composer Nick Wales. Rrawun Maymuru and Nick Wales’ work fuses the traditional sounds of Rrawun’s ancient Songlines [Manikay] with Nick’s electronic and classical sound worlds. Their collaboration titled Yolngu is a call to spirit from Rrawun to the Yolngu people of North East Arnhem Land for celebration and pride of their skin and custom, and is a statement of the importance of cultural identity and all cultures walking together at an important time in our history. Rrawun has also collaborated with celebrated and ARIA Award pianist Sophie Hutchings on a stunning piece titled "Cloud Beneath the Sea" also produced by Nick Wales.
“Yolngu people have a strong connection to each other and to the land and environment of North East Arhnem Land. This connection forms their identity and extends to their family structure. The song pays homage to the ability to identify others who carry the same identity/structure and in doing so pay respect to their ancestral lore” - Rrawun Maymuru
In 2025 Rrawun and Nick were invited to perform the world premiere of a new work in collaboration with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra's 'Water Music' program. Performed across eight nights at Melbourne's Recital Centre and Sydney's City Recital Hall, this profound meditation on the spiritual, cultural and environmental significance of water marked the first time the Brandenburg Orchestra performed alongside a soloist in Yolngu language.
"The musical introduction, composed by Yolŋu songman Rrawun Maymuru from Yirrkala in North East Arnhem Land and Sydney-based composer Nick Wales, sets a contemplative tone. With Paul Dyer at the helm on harpsichord, the orchestra provides sonorous support to the raw beauty of Maymuru’s traditional Manikay (songlines). His delivery floats gently over the ensemble’s ethereal harmonies."
- Limelight Magazine
https://limelight-arts.com.au/reviews/water-music-australian-brandenburg-orchestra/
The music and message of Yolngu songman Rrawun Maymuru The Australian singer returns to the stage for ‘Water Music’, a remarkable series of performances that capture his deep connection to Arnhem Land
GQ Magazine
https://www.gq.com.au/culture/entertainment/rrawun-maymuru/news-story/cba6c7d70131d141333fba88c8d8da6c
