HUNDREDS of people gathered on Elcho Island off Arnhem Land last night to mark the passing of renowned indigenous musician George Rrurrumbu Burarrawanga, whose Warumpi Band opened the gates for the success of a string of indigenous artists in Australian rock ‘n’ roll.

“He was a man of great strength,” Ms [Lisa Watts] said. “He was known as `the messenger’ for his song and dance. He was an ambassador for Australia and for his tribe.

“He was the first man to stand up and do rock ‘n’ roll with his clap sticks, and to sing songs in his own language and other indigenous languages as well.”

HUNDREDS of people gathered on Elcho Island off Arnhem Land last night to mark the passing of renowned indigenous musician George Rrurrumbu Burarrawanga, whose Warumpi Band opened the gates for the success of a string of indigenous artists in Australian rock ‘n’ roll.

Burarrawanga, 50, passed away at 11.25am yesterday, surrounded by his family and friends in what was described as a “peaceful and graceful” death. He had retreated to his island homeland when he realised in February the diagnosis of bone cancer was terminal.

As the charismatic frontman for the Warumpi Band, he was the first rock ‘n’ roll performer to sing in indigenous languages and to use clap sticks as a rock instrument.

The band’s songs, which received prominence in the 1980s, included My Island Home and Black Fella White Fella.

Out of Jail, released in 1983, was the world’s first rock song in an Australian Aboriginal language.

The band went on to produce three albums: Big Name No Blanket in 1985, Go Bush in 1988 and Too Much Humbug in 1996. After thebreak- up of the band, Burarrawanga continued a solo career, performing at several major music festivals in Australia and Europe. He promoted reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding between black and white Australia.

Family spokeswoman Lisa Watts, speaking from Elcho Island last night, said it was his dying wish to receive a traditional ceremonial Gumatj burial. She said he was being greatly honoured by hundreds of clan members from surrounding tribes.

“He was a man of great strength,” Ms Watts said. “He was known as `the messenger’ for his song and dance. He was an ambassador for Australia and for his tribe.

“He was a legend. He was the leader of the indigenous music movement. He transformed it. He brought joy and touched the hearts of the Australian public.

“He was the first man to stand up and do rock ‘n’ roll with his clap sticks, and to sing songs in his own language and other indigenous languages as well.”

Burarrawanga leaves behind his wife Suzina McDonald and six children — Glenda, Lance, Marion, Loretta, Carlos and Gi Gi.

Credit: George Rrurrumbu Burarrawanga