Frank Yamma

Frank Yamma (born ) is an Aboriginal singer and songwriter from Central Australia. He is a Pitjantjatjara man who speaks five languages and sings in both Pitjantjatjara and English. Yamma is the son of Isaac Yamma, an early artist who pioneered singing Western style songs in traditional language.

Starting out singing with his father and brothers Hector, Paul, and Peter, he later formed the band Piranpa. He has toured Australia and internationally, including being invited to perform at festivals such as WOMAD, mainly playing solo.

Early life and background Frank Yamma was born in . He is the son of Isaac Yamma (1940–1990), an early artist who pioneered singing Western style songs in traditional language, and is regarded as one of Australia's most important Indigenous songwriters. In 1999, Yamma and his band Piranpa released Playing with Fire.

In 2010, Yamma released the critically-acclaimed Countryman. This album gained international attention, which sparked extensive national and international touring.

Touring and festivals In 2001, he did solo tour of the US, performing in San Francisco, Virginia, Washington, New York, and Santa Fe.

His three European tours included playing at WOMAD and the 2012 Cultural Olympiad in the UK; the New Hebridean Festival in Scotland; Festival Bled in Slovenia; and Colours of Ostrava in the Czech Republic. Calgary Folk Music Festival, and Winnipeg Folk Festival, where he shared the stage with Buffy Saint Marie and The Mekons, as well as opening for Joan Baez. In August 2016, he performed at the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia; Manitoba Aboriginal Music Week in Winnipeg; at the Wise Hall in Vancouver; and at the Robson Valley Music Festival in Dunster, BC.

Other festivals he has played at include: Livid; WOMAD and 2021 ); Moomba; the Yeperenye Festival (2001); and Adelaide Fringe (2024).

Recognition and awards 1999: Album of the Year at the Deadly Awards 1999, for Playing with Fire 2005: Best Original Song Composed for a Feature Film, Telemovie, TV Series or Mini-Series with David Bridie, at the APRA Music Awards of 2005, for "Pitjantjara", from the film The Alice 2014: Represented Australia in the official showcase for WOMEX Uncle Best Independent Country Album

APRA Awards The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters".

ARIA Music Awards The ARIA Music Awards is an annual award ceremony event celebrating the Australian music industry. Yamma have been nominated for one award. 2020 Tjukurpa: The Story Best Blues & Roots Album Deadly Awards The Deadly Awards, commonly known simply as The Deadlys, was an annual celebration of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in music, sport, entertainment and community. 1999 Playing with Fire Album Release of the Year:

Personal life Yamma has lived in Adelaide for many years. Label: CAAMA Music Format: CD

Released: September 2010 Label: Wantok Music (W0001) Format: CD, digital download

Released: 10 October 2014 Label: Wantok Music (W0014) Format: CD, digital download

Remix albums Title Details The Kulila Project Released: February 2020 Label: Wantok Music Format: LP, digital download