Carl Ngalkanbuy | Yirdaki master from Elcho Island

Carl Ngalkanbuy is a highly respected yirdaki player from Galiwin'ku, Elcho Island. He is considered by many leading yirdaki players from the Miwatj region of Arnhem Land as Elcho Island's best of the best. Ngalkanbuy was previously in another YouTube video of mine which can be seen in the following link - note that the spelling Carl (rather than Karl) is correct:

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The yirdaki played by Carl in this clip is his own private instrument. He has used it recreationally and ceremonially. It plays in the key of F sharp fundamental with a G sharp overtone and like many private instruments belonging to ceremonial yirdaki players, it has been 'taped up' along its entire length with duct tape, this time in the Aboriginal colours of red, yellow and black.

This was among the finest and most cherished instrument I collected on a recent field trip during a prolonged visit to Arnhem Land extending almost 3 months. It is the first yirdaki I have purchased directly from Ngalkanbuy which was a thrill in itself, the legend that he is and the esteem he is accorded by many Yolngu.

During the recording session, Ngalkanbuy declared that he was getting old and not as good as he used to be. Evidence of grey hairs and white stubble on his chin attested to his advancing years. But I reckon he is still a darn hot player. Some say he was Elcho Island's equivalent of the late Mr M. Mununggurr.

Expect more video uploads soon... the 3 months away was fruitful and I recorded more Yolngu yirdaki players than ever before. Sorry for the long absence of new uploads over recent months... will make up for it, I promise.