Gurrumul Makes History With #1 Posthumous Release On This Week's ARIA Chart

Iconic musician Gurrumul has made ARIA chart history this week with his posthumous LP Djarimirri (Child Of The Rainbow), becoming the first artist ever to produce an #1 Indigenous-language album.

The monumental achievement also marks the artist's highest ever album debut with his previous three releases peaking at #3.

Longtime collaborator and Skinnyfish Music's Michael Hohnen has released a statement on the success of the LP.

"Thank you to everyone who has bought this album. This album is a testament to this great Australian and his family, all Yolngu and the greater Aboriginal population," Hohnen said.

"The history he has made taking a true Australian language and heritage to number one proves the strength of the underlying cultural identity of this nation. This is something we can all be proud of and we know that the support of the many people who have bought this album in the last week will be rewarded through the depth of cultural discovery that will unfold on repeated listens." 

Gurrumul's daughter Jasmine Yunupingu has echoed Hohnen's sentiments, impressing the legacy that her father has left.

"I would like to give a speech on behalf of my family and myself, to my father’s achievement that he had done a great career. For sharing our culture through his music. That he will remain in our hearts together," Yunapungu said.

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• EXCLUSIVE: Australian Artists On Gurrumul's Impact - 'His Music Is Immortal'

Despite being knocked out of the top spot, Ed Sheeran's ÷ (Divide) has held steady at #2 followed by The Greatest Showman soundtrack at #3.

There's been a slew of new releases on the Albums chart including Breaking Benjamin's Ember at #9, Jason Aldean's Rearview Town at #10 and Pentatonix's Ptx Presents: Top Pop, Vol 1 at #26.

Aussie debuts also made it into the top 40 with Confidence Man's Confident Music For Confident People coming in at #31 and Greta Bradman's collaboration with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra Home entering at #30.

Over on the Singles chart, Drake has stolen the #1 position from himself with new track Nice For What topping the chart and pushing God's Plan to #3.

Amy Shark's latest single I Said Hi just snuck into the top 40, debuting at #38, inbetween fellow debuts Kygo with Remind Me To Forget at #37 and Selena Gomez & Marshmello with Wolves at #39.

Zayn's new single Let Me and Cardi B's new collaboration with J Balvin & Bad Bunny I Like It both made it into the top 30, at #29 and #25 respectively. 

A note regarding the use of Gurrumul's name and image: The passing of any Yolngu person is usually accompanied by strict traditional protocols which preclude the use of the deceased’s name. The immediate family of Gurrumul have been clear throughout the grieving process that the contribution he made and continues to make to Australian and Yolngu cultural life should not be forgotten. The family have given permission that following the final funeral ceremony, his name and image may once again be used publicly to ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire both his people and Australians more broadly.