Prominent Aboriginal and Yothu Yindi Singer Dies

Mandawuy Yunupingu, the lead singer of Aboriginal band Yothu Yindi who helped to build bridges between Australia's indigenous and white communities, has died of kidney disease aged 56, it was announced Monday.

Yunupingu, a musician, songwriter and campaigner whose surname translates as "rock that will stand against anything", died Sunday night at his home in Eastern Arnhem Land in Australia's north.

While he was best known for Yothu Yindi, which he co-founded in 1986 and which gained a global audience with its 1992 hit "Treaty", Yunupingu broke records throughout his life.

He was the first indigenous Australian from Arnhem Land to gain a university degree and the first Aboriginal school principal, before being named the 1992 Australian of the Year for building bridges between indigenous and non-indigenous communities.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said he was uniquely talented and a passionate advocate for Aboriginal people.

"We have today lost a great Australian voice in the efforts towards reconciliation," she said in a statement.

"We have lost a uniquely talented musician, a passionate advocate for Aboriginal people and a truly great friend.

"He leaves a great body of work to inspire us and we will need all of that inspiration, for so much work remains undone."

Yothu Yindi made six albums and toured the United States as support act to Midnight Oil, whose lead singer Peter Garrett is now the education minister in Gillard's government.

"Can't believe he's gone, my dear friend," Garrett tweeted Monday.

"A path breaker and leader. A shining light for his people. Rest in peace Mr Yunupingu."

He leaves behind a wife and six daughters.