Mark Atkins is one of Australia's most celebrated didgeridoo (yidaki) masters, renowned for his evocative performances and cultural storytelling.

A descendant of the Yamatji people of Western Australia and of Irish-Australian heritage, Atkins is not only a virtuoso musician but also a composer, storyteller, visual artist, and instrument maker. His artistry blends traditional First Nations sounds with contemporary forms, creating immersive experiences that resonate across cultures and generations.

In 2025, Atkins is touring Australia with Mungangga Garlagula, a multidisciplinary performance that weaves music, memory, and Dreaming. Developed in collaboration with composer Erkki Veltheim, the work draws audiences into a deeply atmospheric soundscape shaped by Atkins' signature didgeridoo playing and storytelling.

The title Mungangga Garlagula refers to the experience of sitting by the fire, listening to stories – a practice Atkins reflects is "pretty well lost these days."

Through this performance, he reclaims that tradition, inviting audiences to "close your eyes" and "listen with your whole body."

"It's not just the lyric content or the storytelling, but it's the music… the sounds in the wind, the crackling of the fire, the sandscape," he told National Indigenous Times.

This multisensory approach evokes both personal memory and collective ancestral knowledge.

Atkins and Veltheim's artistic relationship began decades ago, during their work with Black Arm Band.

"We met… probably 20 years ago now… I was talking about some stories I wanted to do, and over a period of time, we just said, 'let's get these stories out'," Atkins said.

The collaboration has matured into a work that honours Country while pushing creative boundaries.

Audiences can expect more than a concert – it's a journey through time, land, and identity. Atkins describes moments in the show where he picks up a guitar and harmonica and sings about frogs and swamps, integrating field recordings from as far back as 1964.

"People are listening to sounds they're not going to hear again. Some of those swamps are gone now," Atkins said.

These layers of storytelling within storytelling create a poignant, reflective atmosphere.

Through his performances, Atkins continues to bridge ancient traditions with contemporary artistry, sharing the depth and richness of Aboriginal culture with audiences across Australia and the world.