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Why Yothu Yindi’s ‘black Elvis’ turned his back on a wild rockstar life
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains names and images of people who have died.
Before Yothu Yindi, before Witiyana Marika's onstage swagger and electric smile had him dubbed "the black Elvis", the man from Arnhem Land was steeped in the songs and ceremonies of his people.
From remote Arnhem Land to the world stage: Yothu Yindi pictured in its heyday. (Photo by David Hancock)
Even as Witiyana was forming in his mother's womb, his father and land rights activist Roy Dadaynga Marika would sing to him, believing that when his son arrived into the world, he'd be cloaked in his culture.
Yothu Yindi star Witiyana Marika opens up on AUSTRALIAN STORY
The ABC series takes a rare look inside the life of Witiyana Marika, once known to many as the dreadlocked dancer and clapstick master of Yothu Yindi, and now a respected leader of the Rirratjingu clan in Arnhem Land.
First introduced to audiences in the early 1990s through the success of Yothu Yindi, Marika helped bring Indigenous music and culture to global attention when the band’s hit Treaty became an international sensation.
But behind the fame came personal struggles, with Marika reflecting on the toll of life on the road and the challenges that followed his rise to prominence.
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VIDEO: Morning Star | Witiyana Marika
At the height of success, Yothu Yindi co-founder Witiyana Marika turned his back on fame and returned home. (Australian Story: Ben Cheshire)
LEIGH SALES, PRESENTER: Hello. Witiyana Marika is both a rock star and one of Australia's most respected Indigenous leaders. He's from Yirrkala in the Northern Territory, famous for its incredible art as well as its major role in Australia's land rights history. Witiyana was a founding member of the legendary band Yothu Yindi and living a rock and roll lifestyle. But when his community called, he stepped up.
MATT GARRICK, JOURNALIST AND AUTHOR: Witiyana has always been a natural performer. It's in his blood, it's in his DNA, your eyes are drawn to him.
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