Raymond Marpin Guyula playing a rare yidaki from Raymangirr, eastern Arnhem Land

Raymond Marpin plays gurtha (fire) in the first song, it is a tune from his mother’s Ritharrngu clan. I may be incorrect but this is possibly the first time a Ritharrngu rhythm is in the public domain. The second song is Banumbirr (Morning Star) I think but need to check. I recorded this at “Meet the Stars“ in June, this was one of the yidaki used during the Masterclass. It is an instrument made by Bambay Wanambi, light and totally natural, all that has been done is the removal of bark... I can’t detect any shaping of the outside or inside of the instrument. It plays in the key of D fundamental and F overtone with moderate to moderate high back pressure. What I really like about this stick is its soft mellow acoustics, it has nice sensitivity and lovely bass response. I don’t usually gravitate towards “D“ instruments but this one has class written all over it. You can find this yidaki in the iDIDJ Store: