Dr G Yunupingu To Be Farewelled At State Memorial Service Today

Legendary Indigenous musician Dr G Yunupingu is to be farewelled at a state memorial service in Darwin today. 

As ABC reports, Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner will read one of five eulogies at the service, to be held at Darwin Convention Centre this morning.

It has also been reported that Jessica Mauboy will perform a tribute to the celebrated songwriter, as will a number of other musicians and dance groups.

Yunupingu passed away at Royal Darwin Hospital in late July at the age of 46 after a long illness.

From his remote origins among the Galiwin'ku community on Elcho Island (off the coast of Arnhem Land), Yunupingu blossomed as a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, becoming adept with a number of musical weapons, the most distinct of which was arguably his striking vocal ability.

He sang in both his native Yolŋu language and English and was a key member of legendary group Yothu Yindi, Yunupingu was also a crucial part of the Saltwater Band, along with his own acclaimed solo pursuits.