George Rrurrambu Burarrwanga (1957–2007) was a Yolngu singer, activist and a founding member of the Warumpi Band. Considered to be a pioneer of Australian rock music, Rrurrambu wrote and recorded music in English and First Nations languages. Born and raised on Elcho Island in the Northern Territory, Rrurrambu was living and working in Papunya, 260km west of Alice Springs when he, Neil Murray, Denis Minor and brothers Gordon and Sammy Butcher formed the Warumpi Band. The band supported Midnight Oil on tours throughout Australia, helping to cement them and their music in the Australian pub rock lexicon. As a lead singer and digeridoo player, Rrurrambu, sporting a big afro, became known for his electric stage presence. After the Warumpi Band disbanded in 1989, he went on to perform as a solo artist and became the frontman of Birdwave. When Rrurrambu was diagnosed with terminal cancer he returned to Elcho Island where he passed away in 2007.
Juno Gemes' portrait of Rrurrambu shows him as the charismatic frontman of the Warumpi Band during rehearsals for the First Australians concert at the Sydney Opera House. Chicka Dixon, Chairman of the Aboriginal Arts Board and producer of the event, invited Gemes to photograph this historic moment – the first major concert by First Nations performers at the Opera House.
Purchased 2021
© Juno Gemes/Copyright Agency, 2023
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