Christine Anu is an Australian household name, and her signature song “My Island Home” will resonate in the hearts of Australians for all time. In the entertainment industry she is known as a total ‘triple threat’ an industry term for an artist outstanding at the three core disciplines of performing: Singing, Dancing and Acting.
From very humble beginnings in the Torres Strait in far North Queensland, Christine has carved her way into Australia's heart. Studying dance at NAISDA in Sydney, Anu was quickly spotted by Neil Murray as a talent with more to offer than just dance.
She started doing shows with him on the side, singing backing vocals with his band ‘Neil Murray and the Rainmakers’, and slowly Neil gave more and more verses of his composition “My Island Home” to her until finally she was ready to take full control of a song destined for her voice and soul.
A solo singing career was the new focus and Christine was soon offered a deal with Mushroom Records. She accepted. Whilst developing material for her album she joined the Bangarra Dance Company, and also performed in the musical “Bad Boy Johnny And The Prophets Of Doom” at The Enmore Theatre. Soon afterwards, Christine made her recording debut on the Paul Kelly single “Last Train”.
The release of her album “Stylin Up” set the country on fire, and produced a great many hit singles, including “My Island Home”, “Party”, "Monkey and the Turtle" and “Wanem Time”. She won an Aria Award for the album and cemented her place as a major player in the Australian music industry. Touring the album, Christine played all over Australia, and was recorded for a bonus CD release live at the Metro in Sydney. The ABC also recorded it and it was used as part of a documentary on her career and heritage called “Salt Water Soul” which aired nationally on ABC TV.
Christine then made a deeper foray into the land of theatre and film, appearing in her first feature film “Dating The Enemy”, and in David Atkins’ production of “Little Shop of Horrors” at The Enmore Theatre, in the role of Crystal.
In 1996 Christine gave birth to her main man Kuiam, named after a famous Torres Strait Island Head Hunter.
Baz Luhrmann invited her to sing on his internationally released album “Something for Everybody”, the duet she recorded with Opera star David Hobson “Now Until The Break Of Day” was a national hit.
Her lead guest appearance in “WILDSIDE” for Ben Gannon/ABC TV displayed Christine’s major talent as an actress and won great acclaim.
Then, selected from thousands of hopefuls, Christine won the highly-sought role of Mimi in the musical “RENT”. The reviews were sensational. So outstanding was Christine’s performance that the producers asked her to repeat the role for a season on Broadway.
But Christine decided it was time for a new album instead. She went back into the studio and recorded her second album “Come My Way”. Hit singles from this album include “Sunshine On A Rainy Day”, “Jump To Love” and “Coz I’m Free” a song inspired by Cathy Freeman. The release aligned with her appearance at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.
Next, Christine went straight into rehearsal for her second feature film, playing the role of Arabia for Baz Luhrmann in “Moulin Rouge”. On completion, Michael Chugg sent Christine out on a national tour, to promote her new Album ‘Come My Way’. A role in “The Matrix Reloaded” was to follow.
In 2002 Christine had a baby daughter Zipporah. Full of inspiration after having Zippy, she went straight back to the recording studio and the release of her third Album “45 Degrees” quickly followed. This album produced the hit single “Talk About Love”.
Returning to stage in the role of Gloria in “Kissing Frogs” Anu found herself on a national regional tour of the show. She did “Popstars” for Channel 7 judging alongside Tania Doko, John Paul Young, Shauna Jenson, and Molly Meldrum until she decided to focus on her two children and the joy and love they bring.
Last September, long-time friend and godfather to Zippy, David Hawkins, offered to devise and direct a show around Christine’s life and career. “Intimate and Deadly” opened at Kabarett Voltaire at The Seymour Centre to critical acclaim.
The season was extended and since then has played The Famous Spiegeltent at the Victorian Arts Centre Melbourne and The Clarendon Guest House in Katoomba. Intimate and Deadly is now set for a return season in Sydney at the Sydney Opera House Studio in May which will be recorded for DVD and CD release. A major national and regional tour is planned for the remainder of this year including the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, and The Queensland Music Festival.
Christine’s career covers all facets of show-business and she has appeared on all our major TV shows including Rove, The Panel, GMA, Sunrise, and her efforts have been well-acknowledged in the industry. Her many awards include four DEADLY AWARDS, APRA AWARD: Song of the Year for “My Island Home”, ARIA AWARD: Best Indigenous Artist “Stylin Up”, ARIA AWARD: Best Video for Bazmark “Now Until The Break Of Day”, GREEN ROOM AWARD: Best Actress in a musical for Mimi in “Rent” and both “Stylin Up” and “Come My Way” went platinum.
I repatriated in 1997 and have lost track...do you still sing that Torres lament about having to leave for another island, Christine - it was beautiful.
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
"What was I doing here ? A voice inside the back of my head Droned, with my rising heartbeat . You know that feeling out way out And sensing ...... your not alone ! Beware your dreams things aren't what they seem."
Any light ? Any hope ? muah haha ha happy haloween .... well it may provoke that mood !
pleasure welcome and warmth all mashed into a single thought. thank you for you, best wishes of kindness. i may just sneak into one of your shows soon. you may not see me, but you might feel me there. >>>>janes smiles<<<< sincerely, janes. xxxx
Join the Fastest Growing Social Music Network for Independent Music Professionals and Fans of Music! Discover NEW Music! Network with fans and other MuzicHeadz around the World!
Online Now!
