'GAMBIRRA'

Rebecca 'Gambirra' Illume
'Easy Lovin You' by Gambirra

'GAMBIRRA' was born on September the 9th, 1975, in Nhullunbuy, North East Arnhemland (Gove Peninsula). A Yolngu woman. For many years she has been living and working in Victoria.

Gambirra is a highly inspired and passionate singer, songwriter, composer, arranger and painter. She is a self-taught musician with a unique blend of styles. With a rich vocal repertoire encompassing the blues, soul, reggae, pop, harmonies, ethereal and eastern styles. She has a great range with a big voice.

Gambirra has played & sung music from a very young age, initially starting with percussion & keys at the age of eight. She discovered her singing & songwriting abilities at the age of fourteen.

In 1994/95 Gambirra completed a Contemporary Music Course at NTU. She Formed 2 bands; played a rock drummer in one and lead-singer in the other.

In 1996, Gambirra auditioned for a leading role as a singer, dancer & actor in a Jimmy Chi musical theatre production called ‘Corrugation Road’. She successfully got the role and toured for 4 months.

At the end of that journey, Gambirra met her husband Izi and traveled Australia (a pilgrimage of indigenous communities) for 4 yrs with their 2 daughters, musical instruments and art. Gambirra in that time continued to write, compose music & sell her art to galleries throughout Australia.

She translates her love of music to her paintings. Her musical compositions, like many of her paintings, reflect on themes of the human condition. In 2004 Gambirra released her first self-produced album, titled Kiss of Peace.

This talented artist now lives and works from her home studio where she runs a contemporary indigenous art gallery and a project sound studio with her in-house engineer Izi.

In addition to all of this, Gambirra is an inspirational and gifted teacher who shares her vibrant contemporary interpretations of traditional culture and themes with her students. She and her husband conduct numerous workshops with various age groups creating murals and paintings. Children and young adults benefit from the cultural exchange that comes with the painting program.

Gambirra draws inspiration not only from her own country and traditions but also from other areas she has visited, consequently she has developed a unique style. Her works cross all cultural barriers in their depth and significance.

Gambirra’s Comments:

“Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imagination, our possibilities become limitless. I live & breathe music. I can’t deny that it is food for my soul!  I am a sound junky! I love the souls expression through song… The world always looks better from behind a smile & a microphone!”

www.myspace.com/gambirrablacksoul