Globally-renowned Yidaki Master Mr Gurruwiwi Passes Away

World-renowned master of the yidaki, more commonly known as the didgeridoo, Mr Gurruwiwi has passed away.

As ABC reports, the Yolŋu Elder, who was believed to be in his late 80s, passed away in Arnhem Land on Tuesday night following a long illness.

Mr Gurruwiwi's daughter, Zelda Gurruwiwi, said: "We're proud of him. Outside, physical, we're sad. Inside, spiritually, bright.

"Sharing culture, he was holding that culture, living with that culture and he was walking with it.

"It's all there, that life. You know what he said last minute to me? He said: 'My work is done.'

"He shared the love, kindness, happiness, laughter, joy, because he was living in a world that he came from."

Mr Gurruwiwi travelled the world with the yidaki and also worked with artists such as Yothu Yindu.

In 2017, Mr Gurruwiwi was featured in filmmaker Ben Strunin’s Westwind: Djalu's Legacy, which also starred Gotye, aka Wally De Backer.

Speaking with ABC Radio Darwin, De Backer said that Mr Gurruwiwi was "a human of incredible spirit".

"I feel fortunate to have spent some time with him and his family," he said.

"His deep commitment to music, healing and family will continue to be a source of inspiration to me, and I hope it may also be to others who look into his life and work."

Mr Gurruwiwi also worked closely with the South Australian Museum as a key consultant for their Yidaki: Didjeridu and the Sound of Australia exhibition.

They shared: “Mr Gurruwiwi dedicated his life to sharing his culture and the yidaki with the world, and the power of his love will be remembered.”