Yothu Yindi — the meaning

The main kinship term Yolngu people use to describe the glue that binds their society is Yothu Yindi, literally meaning "child and mother". The Yolngu concept of Yothu Yindi recognises duality and fosters balance where there is difference. It encompasses the two sides of a world in which balance is maintained: a balance between people and land that has ensured their survival for tens of thousands of years.

Yothu Yindi is the name taken by Australia’s most successful and widely recognised Indigenous band. Formed in 1986, Yothu Yindi was recognised from its earliest stages as a unique band, combining Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal musicians, and marrying the instrumentation of western rock and roll with songs and performance from the ancient song cycles of north east Arnhem Land.

Yothu Yindi has released six albums, toured widely throughout the world, performed at the Seoul and Atlanta Olympics and won numerous Australian and international songwriting and video awards.

The band is widely regarded as a role model for the success and creative talent of Yolngu people. Lead singer and songwriter Mandawuy Yunupingu is one of Australia’s highest profile Indigenous artists and was named the 1992 Australian of the Year.

www.yothuyindi.com