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Deadly lot of awards for Yunupingu

Emily Dunn and Elicia Murray

10 October 2008 - GEOFFREY GURRUMUL YUNUPINGU, the blind musician from Arnhem Land who plays with the guitar upside down, has scooped the pool at the Deadly Awards, continuing his stellar rise as a darling of the Australian music scene.

Yunupingu performed at the 14th annual awards ceremony at the Sydney Opera House last night, at which he was named artist of the year. He also won single of the year for History (I Was Born Blind) and album of the year for History.

The Deadlys celebrate achievement in music, sport, entertainment and community engagement. The country artist Adam James was named most promising new talent in music, and the band of the year award went to the Black Arm Band. Jodie Cockatoo-Creed and Andrew Farris won the APRA song of the year for Never Let You Go.

Last night the audience included former Australian Idol contestants Jessica Mauboy and Casey Donovan. Mauboy recently teamed up with US rapper Flo Rider for her debut single, Running Back.

"When you think rapper, you think ghetto gangster, but he was so presentable. He's one respectful, genuine guy," Mauboy told SiT. Donovan, who won the television star search competition in 2004, was nominated in the single of the year category for Did It Again, from an EP she released independently last year.

Though she has not found commercial success since Idol, she said she had enjoyed performing in Aboriginal communities around Australia.

"They don't care if you're a big name. If you can sing and play an instrument, they listen. It's a respect thing. That's what I really love about it."

The ceremony will be broadcast on SBS on Sunday at 9.55pm.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Gurrumul scoops Deadlys; black awards celebrate Indigenous achievement

By Katherine Field

9 October 2008 - SYDNEY, October 10, 2008: Blind Indigenous singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is shaping up to be a big winner at this year's ARIA awards, and last night he dominated an event closer to his heart - the 2008 Deadlys.

Gurrumul took home three gongs - for single of the year, album of the year and artist of the year - at the Deadly Awards, which honour excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, sport, entertainment, the arts and community achievement.

The shy singer thrilled guests at the awards ceremony at the Sydney Opera House, singing Djarimirri from his self-titled album.

Gurrumul's friend and collaborator Michael Hohnen, speaking on his behalf, said the awards meant a lot him.

"When we were here a few years ago and (The Pigram Brothers' album) Saltwater (Country) won, we were sitting up in the balcony and he almost jumped out off the balcony - so it's pretty big," Mr Hohnen said.

"It is really important because it's really paying respects to all the Yolngu of the country, all of the Aboriginal people of the country ... he's got as many fans in the Aboriginal world.

"It's not the ARIAs but it's just as special."

Gurrumul recently won an ARIA fine arts award and is nominated for three more ARIAs later this month.

Mr Hohnen said Gurrumul still wasn't adjusting to the attention.

"It's actually quite daunting - a bit of an affront really from what he's used to," Mr Hohnen said.

In the sports category of the Deadlys, Rabbitohs NRL player Chris Sandow picked up most promising new talent, while basketballers Patrick Mills and Rohanee Cox won male and female sportspeople of the year.

Hawthorn's Lance Franklin picked up the AFL gong and Melbourne Storm's Greg Inglis was recognised in the rugby league category.

In the arts category, Leah Purcell was named actor of the year and Steven Page from the Bangarra Dance Theatre was also recognised.

Australian Idol 2006 runner-up Jessica Mauboy performed her new song Running Back at the ceremony, which also included Idol alumni Casey Donovan.

"This is huge for me and to be able to sing my own song," Ms Mauboy said.

"I just want to show that things do get better as long as you work really hard and keep your mind focused, and tonight is going to be a great night."

DEADLY WINNERS


MUSIC

Most Promising New Talent in Music - Adam James

Single of the Year - History (I Was Born Blind) - Gurrumul Yunupingu

Album of the Year - Gurrumul - Gurrumul Yunupingu

Band of the Year - The Black Arm Band

Artist of the Year - Gurrumul Yunupingu

Jimmy Little Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music - Auriel Andrew

APRA Song of the Year Jodie Cockatoo-Creed and Andrew Farris - Never Let You Go


SPORT

Most Promising New Talent in Sport - Chris Sandow

Outstanding Achievement in AFL - Lance Franklin

Outstanding Achievement in Rugby League - Greg Inglis

Female Sportsperson of the Year - Rohanee Cox

Male Sportsperson of the Year - Patrick Mills

The Ella Lifetime Achievement Award for Contribution to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sport - Michael Long


THE ARTS

Dancer of the Year - Sermsah Bin Saad (aka Suri)

Outstanding Achievement in Film, TV or Theatre - Trevor Jamieson and Scott Rankin, Ngapartji Ngapartji

Outstanding Achievement in Literature - Anita Heiss and Peter Minter - Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature

Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment - Steven Page - Bangarra Dance Theatre

Actor of the Year - Leah Purcell

Visual Artist of the Year - Michael Cook


COMMUNITY

Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education - Paul Djolpa McKenzie - Maningrida CEC School

Outstanding Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Dr Noel Hayman - Inala Indigenous Health Service

Broadcaster of the Year - "Uncle" Peter Hill - The Shout Out Show, 98.9FM Queensland

Young Leader of the Year - Matthew Cooke - Nhulundu Wooribah Indigenous Health Organisation, Queensland - AAP

Source: NIT

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