SYDNEY—Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu sings mainly in his native Yolngu language, but the little-known singer from Elcho Island in north-east Arnhem Land can move mainstream audiences to tears.
The shy performer, who has been blind since birth, closed the inaugural Song Summit Sydney conference this weekend and blew listeners away with his angelic voice and mix of gospel, soul, folk and roots music.
Yunupingu, who is related to Yothu Yindi singer Mandawuy Yunupingu and indigenous leader Galarrwuy Yunupingu, is just happy his music affects people.
"When I first started playing solo I was surprised when I was getting standing ovations and I could not stop smiling to myself," Yunupingu told AAP through his musical collaborator Michael Hohnen.
"It makes me very happy to know that people are affected by my music.
"My music is from my people and Aboriginal people have always had a strong emotional reaction to music by Aboriginal performers.
"So when I hear that non-Aboriginal people start crying when they hear my music I am pleased to hear it, as it means we are all sharing the same experience and that there is not so much difference between us, black and white."
Yunupingu released his debut solo album Gurrumul six weeks ago, and has been getting radio airplay on the ABC and in the UK on BBC Radio.
He is uncomfortable speaking in English, and feels his success as an Aboriginal man singing in his native language about his culture is good news for reconciliation in this country.
"I am very proud of my culture and my music is a way to introduce the outside world to the songs and stories of Yolngu culture," he said.
"Yolngu culture is a part of Australia and the songs and stories of my culture belong to all of us.
"My music helps everyone understand better the real picture of Australia as a black and a white country, two cultures living together."
Yunupingu is no newcomer to music.
He played with Yothu Yindi for seven years before forming his own group, The Saltwater Band, who sold 20,000 copies of their second album Djarridjarri/Blue Flag and will release a new album later this year.
Yunupingu said his musical inspiration comes from his land and his culture totems, animals, his ancestors, and Dreamtime stories like The Rainbow Serpent.
"I have had a very strong education from my traditional elders and family to do with lyrics," he said.
"My aunties, uncles, grandfathers, and people like Mandawuy and Galarrwuy have told me a lot of stories about my history, and my clan's culture.
"Sometimes I use melodies from the traditional songs and change them to fit guitar or piano chords, and sometimes I just play over and over chords until a melody and chord progression makes me feel really good.
"When I write music and play it, it gives me a place in both cultures."
Feeds