The Yabu Band Biography
The Yabu Band | Gundulla – We Dance
Since beginning at the age of five, multi-talented brothers, Delson and Boyd Stokes, known today as 'The Yabu Band', have created a powerful, unique sound aptly described as Desert Rock/Reggae. The brothers are originally from Kalgoorlie, the Goldfields town bordered by the Western Desert from where they draw their heritage, culture and inspiration. 'Yabu' means Rock/Gold in their language, Wongatha.
The new album entitled 'Gundulla - We Dance' showcases the identifiably Aboriginal sound and unique song writing craft that moulds "The Yabu Band". Delson, Boyd and Drummer Jade Masters have merged their traditional dreamtime stories with memorable contemporary melodies to create one of Australia's finest Indigenous albums.
‘Gundulla’ features Yabu’s Western Desert language version of the famous Australian song, 'I am Australian' and although their music springs directly from their own Indigenous cultural heritage, 'Yabu' believe this song, in this form, speaks for all Australians.
Yabu is more than just an Indigenous band; they provide a message through song, a vehicle of inspiration that has inspired children through to adults to achieve all that they can. They believe there is nothing more important than encouraging today’s youth to have self-worth and chase one's dreams.
Apart from the passion and charm he brings to the stage, lead singer Delson Stokes Jnr is a natural performer with an incredibly pure voice, which is emphatically complemented by the blistering commentary of his shy, self-effacing brother's guitar playing.
Their live performances incorporate one of Australia's leading bass players, Roy Martinez along with Lilly Gogos on vocals and keyboard sensation, Tim Ayre from You, Me and Ryan.
WINNER of five WA Music Awards:
WAM Indigenous Act of the Year 2009
TOO SOLID Indigenous Contemporary Album of the Year 2009
TOO SOLID Indigenous Guitarist of the Year | Boyd Stokes 2009
TOO SOLID Indigenous Drummer of the Year | Jade Masters 2009
WAM Indigenous Song of the Year | ‘Gundulla – We Dance’ 2008
NOMINATED for two Deadly Awards:
Nominated for the Deadly Awards ‘Band of the Year’ 2009
Nominated for the Deadly Awards ‘Most Promising New Talent in Music’ 2009
RECENT SHOWS:
- • Home Coming of the Beijing Olympic Athletes, Forest Chase 2008
- • Channel Sevens Telethon 2008
- • Australia Day Lunch, Government House 2009
- • WA Australian of the Year Awards, Government House 2009
- • The Oz Concert, Government House Gardens 2009
- • AusAID Conference, National Museum Canberra 2009
- • Survival Day Concert, Fremantle 2009
- • Parliament House, Perth 2009
- • Citizen of the Year Awards, Burswood 2009
- • AFL Indigenous Round - Subiaco Oval WCE Vs Collingwood 2009
- • World Music Concert, Darwin Festival 2009
- • Country Arts WA 'Sand Tracks' Tour 2009
YABU BAND ALBUM OUT NOW! Get your copy of Gundulla We Dance
from itunes and our online store now!
