Writing in the Sand

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A musical revolution can emerge from the most unexpected places. Before becoming ARIA Hall of Fame inductees, Yothu Yindi consisted of Yolŋu (Aboriginal people of East Arnhem Land) and balanda (non-Indigenous) friends jamming in the remote Top End. They blended traditional sounds with electric music, promoting a message of unity. Their journey skyrocketed when singer Mandawuy Yunupiŋu collaborated with Paul Kelly and Peter Garrett to create the hit song "Treaty," which gained widespread acclaim after a remix in 1991. Writing in the Sand, authored by Yothu Yindi's biographer Matt Garrick, chronicles the story of this groundbreaking band and how "Treaty" became a voice for Indigenous Australia's struggle for recognition. The book includes previously unpublished photos from the band's archives and is based on extensive interviews with current and former members, including Witiyana Marika, Stu Kellaway, and Jodie Cockatoo, along with family members and collaborators like Yalmay Yunupiŋu, Garrett, Kelly, Neil Finn, Joy McKean, Bart Willoughby, and Andrew Farriss. Rich in humor, poetry, and the essence of East Arnhem Land, this work is essential for anyone interested in Australian music and Aboriginal culture, showcasing the brilliance of one of the most exciting bands of our time.