Clan: Gumatj
Homeland: Birany Birany

Dhapanbal is one of six daughters of the famous lead singer of Yothu Yindi, Dr Yunupingu. Her father and his music has always been an inspiration to her and has helped to motivate her to become a singer/songwriter.

She believes the preservation and transmission of her culture is crucial and spends considerable time with her elders, learning the knowledge of her people, including the endangered art of Milkarri (the female grieving songlines). This connection with her culture can be heard intertwined through her songs and production.

Having been involved in music since she was a child, Dhapanbal has performed at the NIMAs in Darwin, Youth Yindi tribute shows, sung as backup with East Journey and many other events in North East Arnhem Land. Dhapanbal has been writing her own solo music for the past five years and has been busy in the studio the last few months recording and producing her new tracks.

She is acutely aware of the opportunity she has to be heard through her music: “I want to carry my father’s legacy and push for his message of rights for indigenous people and of equal opportunity for aboriginal people.” 

She is involved in community work as a teacher and mentor for young Yolŋu singers and hopes to continue writing, singing, and performing so she too can be a role model, particularly for the young women of North East Arnhem Land.