Yothu Yindi was an Australian band that combined traditional Aboriginal music and rock. They became famous in the 80s and 90s and even won an ARIA in 1992 for their song “Treaty.” Yothu Yindi's lead singer, Mandawuy Yunupingu had a unique vocal technique that embodied the sound of his Aboriginal culture. In this article, we'll explore how you can learn to sing like Mandawuy Yunupingu.

First, it's essential to know that Aboriginal singing has many similarities to other Indigenous music worldwide. To sing like Mandawuy Yunupingu, you need to understand the significance of using vocal inflections and the importance of breath control.

A significant part of Mandawuy Yunupingu's unique vocal style is characterized by vocal inflections, moving from low to high and back down again. You can practice this by using the Farinelli breathing technique, which can help you control your breath and explore the entire vocal range comfortably. The Farinelli exercise is an excellent starting point for any singer looking to develop their skills.

Once you have excellent breath control, it's time to explore the Aboriginal tradition of yidaki playing, commonly called didgeridoo. Yidaki playing is crucial in Mandawuy Yunupingu's music, and it can help you develop the fundamental drone that underpins many traditional Aboriginal songs. As a vocalist, you can practice making these sounds orally, starting from the back of the throat and using the diaphragm to create a powerful tone.

It is also essential to master Mandawuy Yunupingu's signature chest voice. One way to build this up is by practicing chest voice exercises like the Singing comfort zone. This vocal exercise helps you warm up and strengthens your chest voice, making it more robust and flexible.

Finally, check out Yothu Yindi's songs "Treaty" and "Djapana," which exhibit Mandawuy Yunupingu's unique vocal style. You can search for these songs on Singing Carrots' song search, which allows you to search songs by vocal range, difficulty, and genre preference. Additionally, Singing Carrots offers pitch accuracy tests and vocal pitch monitors that can help you assess your pitch accuracy and see your sung notes on a virtual piano.

In conclusion, to learn to sing like Mandawuy Yunupingu, you should focus on vocal inflections, breath control, yidaki playing, mastering chest voice, and listening to Yothu Yindi's music. With resources like Singing Carrots' vocal range test, pitch accuracy tests, and articles on breathing, resonance, and articulation, you can develop the techniques necessary to achieve Mandawuy Yunupingu's unique sound.