About Yirrmal

‘Homecoming firebrand Yirrmal has honed the laser intensity of his voice around the pubs of Melbourne. Today, his passions inflamed by his return to country, he drives home his solo acoustic songs of belonging and bridge-building like nothing else matters’. Michael Dwyer - The Guardian

An enigmatic and captivating performer, Yirrmal’s storytelling transcends time and space. Richness and intimacy weaves through the fullness of contemporary rhythm and blues, bathed in soul, traditional Yolngu Matha, pop and Carribean roots influences.

An extraordinarily passionate and incredibly gifted singer-songwriter, Yirrmal creates accessible, powerful and authentic new music of passion and truth, helping people to feel good, and to feel good about themselves.

Secure and comfortable in his own identity and belief, Yirrmal charts his own journey, earnestly and honestly engaging the hearts and minds of people across the country through a mutual journey of curiosity, wonder, vulnerability and relevance. His music shares his joy of creating, re-telling and performing stories as old as time with a fresh, inspired and considered reflection.

Hailing from the Rirratjingu clan group in the remote North East Arnhem Land community of Yirrkala in Northern Territory, Australia, Yirrmal’s unprecedented and distinctive song-writing and musical abilities stem from his childhood, taking part in ceremonies and funerals on country, where music (manikay) and bunggul (dance) shaped and characterised his very essence.

Sharpening his craft from mentors such as Yothu Yindi, Gurrumul, Archie Roach, Shane Howard, Neil Murray and Andrew Farriss; Yirrmal expresses a powerfully instinctual and intuitive pledge that echoes and embraces curiosity, empathy and buoyant courage.

Yirrmal’s debut album ‘Yirrmal’ is magnetic, a collection of works that is bold and celebratory, yet timeless and introspective with a captivating expressive groove that captures the beautiful landscape of Australia and her people.

‘We are in the presence of a great artist. This young man is as dynamic a performer as I have ever seen, singing brutal and joyous truths of family, love, loss and pride..’ Nadia Jade – Nothing Ever Happens In Brisbane – Tivoli Brisfest

‘The evocative voice of Yirrmal Marika bookended the show, his vocals flying gracefully and emotionally throughout the hall, entrancing all who had the privilege of being there to listen.’ Ken Grady – Adelaide Festival – Review: Music in the Key of Yes

‘There is something about Yirrmal that energises the room and when he smiles, it lights up the place… I can highly recommend to you to make sure you catch his performance when you can.’ Julie Lowe – Woodford Folk Festival

‘Yirrmal graced the stages of the Mullumbimby Music Festival twice over the weekend of music, and each time was an emotional experience for those in the packed-out crowd. Strangers were holding each other, and the upbeat dance came to a slow, thoughtful sway. A moving experience, to say the least…Yirrmal’s delivery is goosebump-inducing and poignant. There’s something magical about Yirrmal’s music…there was a profound connection between Yirrmal and his audience – you couldn’t wipe the smile from his face, nor theirs’. Nada Van Kempen - Rhythms Magazine

--------------

Presented as part of the 2024 World Music Series at The Coolroom at the Northern Arts Hotel

Yirrmal~ Live at The Coolroom

Choose your tickets