There are people on earth who set standards in
many areas of life. Winiwini Gurruwiwi, son of Djalu Gurruwiwi (elder,
leader of the Galpu clan of the northern-east territory of Australia)
is a yidaki (didgeridoo) player that will amaze any ear. One can only
wonder how he makes the sounds that he does while remaining absolutely,
bink-lessly calm. He a rhythmic syncopation master, yet humble. His
dedication for learning his Yolngu culture shines when he plays yidaki.
For me, he's a friend, a brother (wawa), and a high standard of a
powerful (baywara) didgeridoo player. He's able to play slow, fast,
and can inter-change specific sounds that all end up harmoniously
in rhythm. Whenever I felt tired of playing yidaki, I would ask him
to play, and would be inspired all over to go and learn more... others
would arrive, and they too knew... the ground would shake. So, here's
a recording of Djalu singing/clapping to the Guku (wild honey) rhythm
as Winiwini - also referred to as "Wuduku - which means mangrove
driftwood" playing the rhythm with the yidaki placed on top of
a refrigerator. Enjoy
this animation! |
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