A young urban didgeridoo player gets a chance to perform at the Sydney Opera House and embarks on a journey to learn from Yolngu masters in Arnhem Land.
It was late 1997 and, through the Koori grapevine, I was informed that Bangarra dance company was seeking 20 urban-based didgeridoo players to rehearse for a proposed event. Very much a novice player, yet armed with my didge, loincloth and white ochre, I proudly made my way to Bangarra’s wharf studios.
I’m positive it wasn’t my overconfidence got the gig but the fact I cut a very fine figure back when I wore a younger man’s “lap-lap” that caught the professional eyes of Josh and Zach Page of electro-folk Rock duo Brothers Page, and Aunty Rhoda Roberts. This would be the rehearsal of change. A fortnight later, I’d be participating in my first performance at the Sydney Opera House before an audience of several thousand. Standing in the make-up tent adjacent to the Opera House steps, I was among renowned Aboriginal didgeridoo legends, some internationally acclaimed. A cacophony of kookaburra calls and impressive styles ensued, but then I heard the most incredible, deep rhythm coming from the neighbouring tent. I immediately walked towards the sound and witnessed the masterful Jonathon Munyarryun. He was to lead the performance alongside famed brother Djakapurra. I’d never met a Yolngu person and was mesmerised by how he played the yidaki (didgeridoo). Wasting no time, I asked how I could learn to play like him. Jonathon replied, “You’ll have to come up home to Dhalenbuy.”I’d never been on a plane, let alone left the state. Emphatically, I said I would – but how would I find him once I got there? He said, “Here’s my mobile number, come the second Wednesday and meet me at the shopping centre at Gove.” Sensing I was a “concrete Koori” upon handing over the keys to my airport-hire ute, the manager advised me to be extra careful when driving at night in Arnhem Land. “Yer gotta watch out for two things when night-driving: buffaloes and the locals. Ya don’t wanna hit either.” Fair call. Exiting Gove Airport, my first observation was the intensity of the humidity
DIDGERIDOO ABORIGINAL CULTURE ARNHEM LAND MUSIC PERFORMANCE
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