Frank Yamma is one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous songwriters with an ability to cross cultural and musical boundaries. A Pitjantjatjara man, Frank sings in his native language and English.
His mighty songs, magical guitar playing, and deeply evocative voice tell stories of country, protection, heartache, travel and love. Although he’s lived in Adelaide for many years, Frank’s spirit belongs to the heart of Australia. Uluru. Docker River. Ernabella. Central Australia. As Frank says, “wherever the Pitjantjatjara mob come from”.
His albums, Countryman (2010) and Uncle (2014) released after a ten-year hiatus gained Yamma widespread critical acclaim and recognition leading to an opportunity to perform nationally and internationally.
Frank’s touring highlights include WOMADelaide, Byron Bay Bluesfest and Sydney Festival. He has undertaken three tours to Europe performing at the 2012 Cultural Olympiad (UK), WOMAD (UK); The New Hebridean Festival (Scotland), Festival Bled (Slovenia) and Colours of Ostrava (Czech Republic).
In 2014, Yamma was included in the official showcase for WOMEX, a spot that is rare and coveted amongst artists from Australia as well as internationally.
Frank released his debut vinyl record, Tjukurpa: The Story in Feb 2020. The record received widespread critical acclaim in Australia and internationally including an ARIA nomination for Best Blues & Roots Album and a five-star review in Songlines UK. The record is accompanied with a digital compilation of The Kulila Project which features contributions from long-time collaborators David Bridie and Phil Wales as well as remixes from CORIN, and EA Wave’s Jinku, Hiribae & Ukweli.
In 2024 Frank Yamma is performing at Yabun, WOMADelaide, Blue Mountains Folk Festival, Cobargo Folk Festival and Yackandandah Folk Festival.
Recent performances throughout 2022-2024 have led to standing ovations for Frank’s performances.
REVIEWS / TESTIMONIALS
“Pitjantjatjara singer-songwriter Frank Yamma has long been one of Australia’s strongest indigenous voices.Yamma’s heartfelt lyrics and moving delivery have always set him apart as an exceptional artist.”
Seth Jordan, Songlines Magazine (UK)
“Countryman is an absorbing and immensely moving listening experience.”
Beat Magazine
“Frank Yamma is going to break your heart, wipe away your tears, then make you cry some more… In the most enjoyable way possible.”
Loud n Local