Djuki Mala
AUDIENCE FAVORITES – WOMADELAIDE 2016
Join a joyous celebration 40,0000 years in the making.
Direct from NE Arnhem Land, Indigenous dance and YouTube sensations Djuki Mala are back by popular demand after storming WOMADelaide 2016 and selling out their Garden performances in 2015!
Unique, infectious, high-energy and always exuberant, Djuki Mala perform a stunning fusion of traditional Yolngu and contemporary pop culture, dance and storytelling to create work that is a marvel of timing, comedy and clowning with a hefty dose of heart and soul. Since their 2007 clip of Zorba the Greek went viral, they’ve thrilled audiences at major festivals and events throughout Australia, UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Canada, attracting massive media interest and multiple award wins and nominations.
“A vibrant celebration of ingenuity and energy” The Age
“their enthusiasm is infectious” Sydney Morning Herald
“Energetic, hilarious, groundbreaking” Beat Magazine
Presented by: Bond Creatives
Djuki Mala achieved overnight success when Frank Djirrimbilpilwuy uploaded a video clip of the group dancing to “Zorba the Greek” on YouTube in October 2007. Within twelve weeks it had peaked at over 500,000 hits worldwide and to date it stands at over 2.5 million views. The dance was initially developed by Lionel Dulmanawuy, Frank’s youngest son. It was created as a thank you to a very special Greek lady named Liliane who was the main carer of his sister, Priscilla. The funny dancing and comedic element of their performance also has its origins in their community, explains Lionel. “It’s a tradition in a young boy’s initiation ceremony. You make up funny dances and do them at the ceremony to make it more of a fun day for the young boy. Zorba the Greek is an extension of that."