When Larry Gurruwiwi plays the didgeridoo, he means it. In Gurruwiwi’s hands, the didgeridoo – or, to use its traditional name, the yidaki – morphs, shapeshifts and seems to sing in a dozen different languages. One moment, it bubbles and swirls like a saxophone. The next, the ancient instrument buzzes like a high-tech synthesiser. I’m tempted to write that Gurruwiwi plays the yidaki like his life depends on it (which, in a way is true: he plays the instrument professionally and, together with his band Malawurr, has performed across Europe, Asia and Australia.) But today, as Gurruwiwi plays for a tiny audience on remote East Woody Beach, the stakes are much higher than that. Gurruwiwi is playing the yidaki for his Country. He’s playing the yidaki for his
Open Country
Dec 21, 2023
5 minutes
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