In 2015, ARIA Award nominated singer-songwriter Stanley “Gawurra” Gaykamangu, a Yolngu man, got on a bus and travelled 1500km from his home in Milingimbi Island (North East Arnhem land) to a studio in Alice Springs in order to record his album Ratja Yaliyali . Full of the understated beauty of his Gupapuyngu-language songs, his soft, soaring vocals were uniquely blended with Northern Territory producer Broadwing’s expansive orchestral arrangements.

Less than a year later, Gawurra was picking up a four-and-a-half star review from Rolling Stone and supporting Peter Garrett at the Darwin Festival. He will kick off 2017 by making his Sydney Festival debut.

Like all the songs on the album, the stunning title track is a traditional songline from Gawurra’s home. “Ratja Yaliyali” means ‘vine of love’; these songlines, and Gawurra’s performance, speak of connection to country, to family, to life, to the wind and the past. It’s a link that both lives in the language and transcends it.

Note: Meriton Festival Village is a licensed venue. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Photo: Pippa Samaya