Cambooya State School students were treated to an unforgettable musical experience recently when internationally acclaimed performer Adrian Fabila Tjupurrula – known as Tjupurru – visited the school.
A proud descendant of the Djabera Djabera people of the Western Australian Kimberley region, Tjupurru has earned a global reputation for his innovative fusion of ancient culture, modern technology and extraordinary musicianship.
Beginning his musical journey as a child using a vacuum cleaner pipe as a makeshift didjeridoo, Tjupurru has grown into one of Australia’s most exciting performers.
Since 2006, he has toured nationally and internationally, collaborating with major artists and performing in countries including New Zealand, Japan, the USA and Canada.
His career highlights include performing at the Sydney Festival’s Jazz in the Domain to an audience of 120,000, appearing at the Sydney Opera House, the Vancouver Winter Olympics and the Woodford Folk Festival.
During his visit to Cambooya State School, Tjupurru introduced students to the Didjeribone, an Australian-designed instrument combining the didgeridoo and trombone.
His engaging performance blended traditional Aboriginal sounds with cutting-edge sampling and sequencing technology, offering students a unique and inspiring musical journey.
A highlight of the show was Tjupurru’s use of the Face Bass, a special seismic sensor that allows live interaction with the audience.
Students were thrilled to hear their own sounds transformed instantly into dynamic rhythms and soundscapes.
The performance not only entertained but also educated students, giving them a deeper appreciation of Indigenous culture and the creative possibilities of modern music technology.
Tjupurru also paid tribute to fellow musician and inventor Charlie McMahon, acknowledging his creation of the Didjeribone, Face Bass and sound-system designs that make such performances possible.
The visit left a lasting impression on the school community, celebrating creativity, cultural understanding and the joy of music.
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 27 November 2025.
