Ngongu Ganambarr

Date of Birth - 03.08.1967
Moiety - Dhuwa
Homeland - Rorruwuy
Clan - Datiwuy
Clan Language - Dhuwal

"I am the son of Manydjarri Ganambarr (father) and Gudaltji Munyarryun (mother). My father is an elder or clan leader for the Datiwuy mala (clan) after Mowarra (deceased 2005). Manydjarri has taught me how to make yidaki, singing songs and dancing. I stay at Dhalinybuy outstation (my mother land) where I make yidaki to sell. We go into the bush to find yidaki and use a wheelbarrow to bring them - hard work, but manymak (good). Dhalinybuy is based on a large river where we go hunting for Balin (Barramundi) I also stay at Rorruwuy (outstation) and like to go hunting there as well."

Ngongu is a hard working family man who is well known for making top quality yidaki amongst his own people and the outstide world. His work is consistently excellent with typical pieces having natural bores, small natural mouthpieces and excellent playing qualities. He is a talented yidaki player, dancer, singer and hunter.

Ngongu has travelled to Japan, England and Iceland to perform traditional Yolngu songs and has also played yidaki at the Northern Territory Export Awards 2002 (pictured above). Buku-Larrnggay Mulka won first prize in the art and entertainment category in recognition of yidaki export growth. The prize was accepted by Ngongu and Jeremy Cloake and is an excellent achievement for all Yolngu yidaki craftsmen.