The Yabu Band

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THE YABU BAND!

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, and the name “Yabu” means “Rock/Gold” in their language, Wongatha.
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.
Through performances at the WA Australia of the Year Awards, The Oz Concert, The Homecoming of the Beijing Olympic athletes, Aus-Aid, The Survival Concert and airplay on NITV, ‘Yabu’ have garnered a well-earned reputation as one of the most impressive Indigenous acts in Australia. Accolades such as the “Indigenous Song of the Year Award” have flowed from music industry professionals and these have underlined a deep respect from their own community.

“Yabu” have honed a truly dynamic stage presence. The ever-charismatic Delly captivates audiences with his highly individual passion and charm, his vocals emphatically complemented by the blistering commentary of his shy, self-effacing brother’s guitar playing.

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.

‘Yabu’ have translated the famous Australian song, “I Am Australian” into their Western Desert language and although their music springs directly from their own indigenous cultural heritage, 'Yabu' believes this song, in this form, speaks for all Australians.

Their live performances incorporate one of Australia's leading bass players, Roy Martinez along with Lilly Gogos on vocals, Tony Shaw on Didgeridoo and keyboard sensation, Tim Ayre from You, Me and Ryan.

DELSON STOKES JNR

Delly Stokes is one of the most loved indigenous musicans throughout WA and Australia with achievements such has:

Making the top ten open age group on the TV Series X-Factor.

Winning young indigenous of the year in 1997 and 1998.

Being involved in TV commercials with GWN and WIN TV promoting HIV Awareness, Drink Safe and also Safe Sex adds.

Delson has also performed with Colored Stone which included several performances & a film clip on RAGE TV!

Not only has Delson been touring for many years as lead singer for THE YABU BAND he also won himself a first place in WA and second place in Australia at the Winterfun National Karaoke Competion in 2001.

In 2006 Delson was involved with Selena Baxter in the co-writing of "Walk In" & "Two Ways of Walking" which were featured in a school development DVD that was produced by Brandon O'Brain.

BOYD STOKES
TOO SOLID WA Indigenous Guitarist of the Year 2009!

Boyd started learning his craft at the young age of five, he has since gone on to be an icon amongst his own people as well as the wider Australian community. Some say, Boyd showcases a talent that not many people have... The way he plays guitar, has to be scene, to be believed...
Boyd not only shares the stage with his brother Delson, but has performed along side some of Australia's greatest musicians including; Tommy Emanuel, Colored Stone, Warumpi Band and the late great Slim Dusty.
In 1999 Boyd earned himself a 4th place at the Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth... and has recently taken out the 2009 TOO SOLID WA Indigenous Guitarist of the Year.
JADE MASTERS
TOO SOLID WA Indigenous Drummer of the Year 2009!

Jade was born in Northam, Western Australia in 1981 and has performed for over 14 years.

Jade currently works at Abmusic as a Project Officer in which he facilitates the ICMBUM Program (Indigenous Contemporary Music Business Unit Model). The ICMBUM program is funded by (DCA) and the Australia Council for the Arts.As former drummer of the ‘DAVE MANN COLLECTIVE’ Jade has performed on the same bill as Thirsty Merc, Cat Empire, Pete Murray, Renee Gayer, Yothu Yindi, Diesel, The Whitlams, Ross Wilson, The Rogue Traders, Killing Heidi and Richard Clapton just to name a few.
In recent times Jade has been a full-time drum teacher at the Morley Sound Centre in which he was teaching over 20 students per week and awarded drum teacher of the year in 2005.
Jade is currently sponsored by Yamaha Music Australia & Paiste Cymbals.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS/ACHIEVEMENTS
2003 – Completed certificate IV in Performing Arts (Abmusic).
2004 – Performed in South Africa with ‘The Yabu Band’.
2004 – 2008 – Drummer of ‘Dave Mann Collective’.
2005 – Most popular drum teacher (Morley Sound Centre).
2006 – 2009 – Session drummer for Rob Agostini (Soundbaker Studio’s).
2008 – Recorded on “Dave Mann Collective” new Album “Heart over Mind”.
2008 – Directed, Managed & Produced The Yabu Band’s new Album 'Gundulla – We Dance.