It’s been almost 30 years since Yothu Yindi released their 1991 hit ‘Treaty’ but the group’s fight for Indigenous recognition has only grown stronger. In 2017 the band released a 25th anniversary version of ‘Treaty’ and at the same time launched the Treaty Project to continue raising awareness for a treaty with Australia’s Indigenous peoples.
While Yothu Yindi have always been political, it’d be wrong to ignore the fact that above all they’re a damn good band. The group took 1980s Aus-rock and made it into something more, punctuating the broad, synthy melodies with yidaki, clapsticks and traditional vocals and Yolngu lyrics.
Yothu Yindi and the Treaty Project is performing at Hamer Hall for the 2019 Yirramboi Festival with a mix of founding band members and new additions. The group has taken a more electronic direction in recent years but remain true to the songs and stories that first put them in the spotlight.
Original members Witiyana Marika, Stuart Kellaway, Kevin Malngay Yunupingu will joined by cabaret artist Kamahi Djordon King, Yolngu singers Yirrnga Yunupingu and Yimila Gurruwiwi, musician and musical director for Circus Oz Ania Reynolds, producer Gavin Campbell as well as Kellaway’s son Roy on guitar.