Gurrumul - Bapa (Live 2008)

Gurrumul performing a beautiful version of Bapa live while accompanied by The Erkki String Quartet at The Enmore Theatre in Sydney Australia 2008.

Gurrumul also had a hand at writing the string parts.

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Bapa Original Yolngu Lyrics:

Warwuyu ŋarranha mulkana
Ŋarraku bäpawu
Ŋuruŋuna guṉipunharayu
Ya..a, bäpa marrkapmirri

Ŋäthina wilawilayurruna
Ŋuruŋuna djarrawalyurruna
Ḻiya-wayna Bekuḻŋura
Yä..a, bäpa marrkapmirri

Ŋäthina Djotarra maṉḏa
Garray Dhuwandjika Daylulu
Ŋuruŋuna djarrapalwuyu
Ḻiya-wayma wäŋaŋura Gunyaŋarri

Bapa Lyrics (English Translation):

Grief has taken hold of me
for my father
when the sun sets
o..h, beloved father

Crying and crying
when the sun goes down
my mind there at Bekuḻŋura
o..h, beloved father

Two Gumatj ladies crying
ancestor boss ladies Dhuwandjika and Daylulu
when the sun sets
my mind there at the place Gunyaŋara (Bekuḻŋura)

Gurrumul performing Bapa live with The Erkki String Quartet in 2008.

About Gurrumul:

Born blind, the Indigenous Australian singer/songwriter Gurrumul grew up as a member of the Gumatj clan on Elcho Island, off the coast of tropical North East Arnhem land in Australia’s Northern Territory. Gurrumul’s songs speak of identity, spirit, connection with the land, the elements and the ancestral beings to whom he is related. His fragile but uniquely emotive high tenor voice and aura-like persona elicit feelings of peace and longing in listeners.

Gurrumul first came to the world’s attention when his self-titled debut album Gurrumul was released to international acclaim in 2008. His angelic voice connected with fans the world over, including such notable names as Elton John, will.I.am, Sting, Gary Barlow, Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder. Half a million copies of Gurrumul have been sold worldwide.

[mesutdoyurucu]

Possibly the most beautiful voice from Australia

[SS-kqlf]

This is the sort of music that you listen to with your heart ❤️ … makes me remember that humans aren’t all bad even though at times it seems that way.

[nkjrm]

I have no words that can describe the emotion felt when listening to this. Beyond perfection

[jupitersmithmusic]

My life is better, because of this man's music, thankyou Gurrumul

[cinemaipswich]

Australia is blessed by Geff's voice. No one sings like him. Australia is blessed because of his voice.

[catherinemagnay]

To me his voice is the soul of Australia and he was taken from us far too soon😪

[aran]

I just discovered this amazing artist, his amazing angelic voice immediately touched my heart, I felt like coming home, what a voice, what a pure soul, and then i read that he does not live anymore on this earth, what a loss, but I think he is to sensitive for this heavyness on our earth now. Sing with the angels dear soul, thank you for your gifts you left us.

[pixiescam]

I loved this when it came out.. I was living in Vietnam from 2016-2021.. I had no idea he passed in 2017 until just now... stunned. RIP legend

[mattmoss]

This is beautiful if you don't feel Australia in his words your not human

[gavincurrie]

Isn’t Gurrumul’s voice otherworldly?! Angels would shed tears hearing a voice so beautiful. This is true high art - it carries us aloft to another realm. It transforms us. RIP Gurrumul. And thank you for the privilege ❤

[bloodyhellism]

His music hits hard straight to your soul.. I saw hime once at the Elton John concert in Darwin. Never been so moved by a artist in my life. He may be gone but his story and music lives on.. if you haven't seen the gurramul documentary. I recommend

[cpt_pumper]

RIP Doctor G. It's crazy to think most Australians don't no you're name. But we who are here now Will always remember you m8. You were blind but could see More than all of us. One day I will walk with you into the dreaming. Singing songs of what we could have been.

[weneedtolaugh]

My bapa has been gone for 17yrs now, I still miss him so much today. 😔

[ppmeva]

Gurrumul is magical, with a voice that can convey pure emotion. I want the whole world to hear him sing. I love his voice, his sentiment, his shyness. He is the embodiment of beauty.

[waynekuskopf]

His voice take you into a deep place of sadness and peacefulness.

[kittyclan]

I hear him one night while driving on the John creedon show on rte 1 in Ireland. He had a truly mystical voice that I don’t think we’ll ever hear the likes of again.Rip

[gisborne]

One of the great Australian singers. No one like him.

[dixiecup]

Had the honour of hearing Geoffrey in concert...Thank you for your beautiful music, now you are at rest with your people
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[vey]

He sounds exactly like he does in studio so you can tell he has an actual voice. Rest in peace buddy. ❤️

[Pantonesara]

...I'm not crying.
Rain is just pouring down my face! :'(