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 which 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.
He is currently busy performing across Australia, with two standing ovations at the 2023 National Folk Festival, and outstanding performances at the 2022 Kalkarindji Freedom Day Festival being highlights.