Christine Anu
{{short description|Australian pop singer and actress (born 1970)|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Christine Anu
| image = Christine Anu 1.jpg
| image_size =
| landscape =
| alt =
| caption = Anu in 2007
| birth_name = Maia Christine Anu
| alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1970|03|15|df=y}}
| birth_place = Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| origin = Torres Strait Islands, Queensland, Australia
| genre = Pop
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|actress}}
| instrument = Vocals
| years_active = 1987–present
| label = {{hlist|Mushroom Records|Liberation Music|ABC Music|Independent|Social Family Records}}
| associated_acts =
| website = {{url|https://www.christineanu.com/}}
}}
Maia Christine Anu (born on 15 March 1970) is an Australian singer-songwriter and actress of Torres Strait Islander origin. She gained popularity with the cover song release of the Warumpi Band's song "My Island Home" in 1995. Anu has been nominated for many ARIA Awards, winning several, as well as five Deadly Awards, among others. In August 2024 she released a new album and single of the same name, Waku: Minaral a Minalay.
She started her career as a dancer, and has had an acting career in film, stage (including musical theatre), and television, as well as hosting the Weekend Evenings radio show on ABC Radio.
Early life and education
Maia Christine Anu,{{cite web | publisher = APRA AMCOS (Australasian Performing Right Association, Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) | title = Song Catalogue Search Results for 'Monkey and the Turtle' | url = https://www.apraamcos.com.au/works-search?works=true&title=Monkey%20and%20the%20Turtle&writer=&performer=Christine%20Anu | access-date = 8 February 2025 }} was born in Cairns, Queensland, on 15 March 1970.{{cite book | author1 = McFarlane, Ian | authorlink1 = Ian McFarlane | others = Jenkins, Jeff (Foreword) | title = The Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop | chapter = Encyclopedia entry for 'Christine Anu' | publication-date = 2017 | location = Gisborne, VIC | publisher = Third Stone Press | edition = 2nd | page = 20 | isbn = 978-0-9953856-0-3 }}{{cite web | title=Christine Anu, b. 1970 | website=National Portrait Gallery |date=2021 | url=https://www.portrait.gov.au/people/christine-anu-1970 | access-date=5 August 2024}} She did not know who her biological father was, and grew up with her Torres Strait Islander mother and stepfather{{cite web | last=Gbogbo | first=Mawunyo | title=Christine Anu explores her roots on new album, Waku – Minaral A Minalay | website=ABC News | date=28 July 2024 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-28/christine-anu-new-album-waku-minaral-a-minalay-interview/104148974 | access-date=5 August 2024|quote= ...1979 when Anu was 10 years old}} all over Queensland.{{cite news|last1=Keenan|first1=Catherine|title=Frog princess|url=https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/17/1042520770021.html|access-date=20 September 2015|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=18 January 2003|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924130006/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/01/17/1042520770021.html|url-status=live}} Her mother is from Saibai Island,{{cite web|url=http://www.biggeststars.com/c/christine-anu-biography.html |title=Christine Anu – Biography |work=BiggestStars.com |access-date=14 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090707045934/http://www.biggeststars.com/c/christine-anu-biography.html |archive-date=7 July 2009 }}{{Cite episode |title=Christine Anu |series=Who Do You Think You Are? |series-link=Who Do You Think You Are? (Australian TV series) |network=Special Broadcasting Service |station=SBS One |airdate=18 October 2009 |season=2 |number=4 |minutes=3:55 }} and her stepfather was a respected songman on Saibai, originally from Mabuiag Island. He sang traditional songs of the islands, and encouraged family singalongs.{{cite web | title=Christine Anu: Biography| website=AllMusic|first= Ed |last= Nimmervoll | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/christine-anu-mn0000780336#biography | access-date=5 August 2024}} He died in 1979 when Christine was 10 years old.
Anu attended Emmaus College in Rockhampton, from which she graduated in 1987. Dancing being her first love, she moved to inner-city Sydney to study at the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (later known as NAISDA Dance College),(2013) [http://www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/christine-anu-new-bloody-mary Christine Anu: The New Bloody Mary] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803233330/http://www.stagewhispers.com.au/news/christine-anu-new-bloody-mary |date=3 August 2016 }}, Stage Whispers. Retrieved 7 March 2020.(23 October 2013) [https://www.deadlyvibe.com.au/2013/10/catching-up-with-christine-anu Catching up with Christine Anu] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311221454/https://www.deadlyvibe.com.au/2013/10/catching-up-with-christine-anu/ |date=11 March 2020 }}, Deadly Vibe. Retrieved 7 March 1988. which had been established by Carole Johnson. She earned an Associate degree in dance in 1992.
Career
=Music=
File:201000 - Opening Ceremony Christine Anu performs - 3b - 2000 Sydney opening ceremony photo.jpg opening ceremony]]
Anu began performing as a dancer while at college,{{Cite web |last=Wehner |first=Cyclone |title=Christine Anu On Stylin Up, Passing The Baton & Revisiting Old Stomping Grounds |url=https://themusic.com.au/features/christine-anu-st-kilda-festival-2023-interview/aadxfXx_fmE/18-02-23 |access-date=2023-07-30 |website=themusic.com.au |language=en}} and became a member of the Bangarra Dance Theatre and the Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre troupes. She toured with Bangarra in 1992 and 1993.
She went on to sing back-up vocals for the Rainmakers, which included Neil Murray, formerly founder-member of the Warumpi Band, for a year. Her first recording was in 1993 with "Last Train", a dance remake of a Paul Kelly song. The follow-up, "Monkey and the Turtle", was based on a traditional nursery rhyme from the Torres Strait Islands.{{cite web | title=Christine Anu – Stylin' Up | website=ABC listen | date=25 November 2019 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/doublej-classic-albums/christine-anu-stylin-up/11730820 | access-date=5 August 2024}}
In 1995, Neil Murray won an Australasian Performing Right Association songwriting award for writing "My Island Home".{{cite web | title=Wondering and wandering far, yet deeply rooted | website=The Age | date=6 May 2005 | url=https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/music/wondering-and-wandering-far-yet-deeply-rooted-20050506-ge03x5.html | access-date=5 August 2024}} Anu covered the song, which gained immediate popularity, causing her to be remembered as the principal singer of the song. She released her first album, Stylin' Up, which went platinum, in 1995.
"Come On" was released as the fourth and final single from Stylin' Up. The song peaked at number 94 in Australia on the ARIA Charts.{{cite web|url=http://i.imgur.com/Rvp9aJc.jpg|title=The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 10 Dec 1995|publisher=Imgur.com (original document published by ARIA)|accessdate=19 July 2017}} N.B. The HP column displays the highest peak reached.{{cite book|last=Ryan|first=Gavin|title=Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010|year=2011|publisher=Moonlight Publishing|location=Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia}} At the ARIA Music Awards of 1996 the song won two of three awards for which it was nominated, including Best Female Artist and Best Indigenous Release.{{cite web | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071214142950/http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history-by-year.php?year=1996 | url = http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/year/1996 | title = Winners by Year 1996 | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | archivedate = 14 December 2007 | accessdate = 3 December 2013 }} In that year she also won a Deadly Award for best female artist.{{cite web | title=Anu, Christine | website=Encyclopedia.com | first=Christine |last=Kelley |date=2001| url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/education/news-wires-white-papers-and-books/anu-christine | access-date=5 August 2024}}{{cite web | last=Barton | first=Jacob | title=Catching up with Christine Anu | website=Deadly Vibe | date=23 October 2013 | url=https://deadlyvibe.com.au/2013/10/catching-up-with-christine-anu/ | access-date=5 August 2024}}
Baz Luhrmann asked her to sing on the song "Now Until the Break of Day" on his 1997 album Something for Everybody album. It was released as a single, with the video winning another ARIA award in 1999, and led to her being cast in Moulin Rouge!.
In January 1998, Anu teamed up with Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, Judith Durham, Renee Geyer, Kutcha Edwards and Tiddas and formed Singers for the Red Black and Gold. Together they released a cover of "Yil Lull".{{cite web | title=Singers For The Red Black & Gold Performed By Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, Christine Anu, Judith Durham, Renee Geyer, Kutcha Edwards, Tiddas – Yil Lull (1998, CD) | website=Discogs | date=25 November 2022 | url=https://www.discogs.com/release/5203784-Singers-For-The-Red-Black-Gold-Performed-By-Archie-Roach-Paul-Kelly-2-Christine-Anu-Judith-Durham-Re | access-date=5 August 2024}}{{cite web | last=Disalvo | first=Tom | title=Hear Archie Roach and Judith Durham sing 'Yil Lull', on streaming for the first time | website=NME | date=9 November 2022 | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/stream-yil-lull-archie-roach-judith-durham-joe-geia-3345611 | access-date=5 August 2024}} In that year, she won the Female Artist of The Year Deadly Award.{{cite web | title= 1998 Winners | website=The Deadlys | date=1998 | url=http://www.deadlys.vibe.com.au/deadlys_new/winners/1998/index.asp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928062012/http://www.deadlys.vibe.com.au/deadlys_new/winners/1998/index.asp | archive-date=28 September 2007 | url-status=dead | access-date=5 August 2024}}
In 2000, Anu released Come My Way which peaked at number 18 on the ARIA albums chart and went gold. She released the hit single "Sunshine on a Rainy Day", for which she won the ARIA Awards for both Best Female Artist and Engineer of the Year.{{cite web | title= 2000 winners| website=The Deadlys | date=23 August 2006 | url=http://www.deadlys.vibe.com.au/deadlys_new/winners/2000/index.asp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831080401/http://www.deadlys.vibe.com.au/deadlys_new/winners/2000/index.asp | archive-date=31 August 2007 | url-status=dead | access-date=5 August 2024}} In the same year, she sang the song "My Island Home" at the Sydney 2000 Olympics Closing Ceremony.[https://web.archive.org/web/20080121205725/http://www.abc.net.au/message/blackarts/review/s1025372.htm Christine Anu's 45 Degrees]. Abc.net.au. Retrieved on 12 June 2012.
In 2003, Anu released her third studio album, 45 Degrees, and in 2005 released Acoustically. In that year, she was again winner of the Deadly Award for Female Artist of the Year,{{cite web | title=Deadly's 2003 | website=deadlys.vibe.com.au | date=23 August 2006 | url=http://www.deadlys.vibe.com.au/deadlys_new/winners/2003/index.asp | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831075515/http://www.deadlys.vibe.com.au/deadlys_new/winners/2003/index.asp | archive-date=31 August 2007 | url-status=dead | access-date=5 August 2024}} and in 2004 she won Single of the Year for "Talk About Love".{{cite web | title=Deadly Awards honour Indigenous achievements | website=ABC News | date=22 October 2004 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2004-10-23/deadly-awards-honour-indigenous-achievements/572318 | access-date=5 August 2024}}
In February and March 2007, Anu toured New South Wales with a new stage show, Black is Blue, singing the songs of blues legends such as Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Marlene Cummins, and Ella Fitzgerald.{{cite web | last=Barton | first=Jacob | title=Christine Anu | website=Deadly Vibe | date=29 November 2007 | url=https://deadlyvibe.com.au/2007/11/christine-anu/ | access-date=5 August 2024}} Also that year she toured a children's show and released an associate album titled Chrissy's Island Family.{{cite web | title=Chrissy's Island Family Puts A Smile On The Faces Of Children In The Murdi Paaki Region |date= August 2012 | website=hotoffthepress.com.au | url=http://www.hotoffthepress.com.au/news/2012/08/media-release-Chrissys-Island-Family-August-2012.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115152946/http://www.hotoffthepress.com.au/news/2012/08/media-release-Chrissys-Island-Family-August-2012.html | archive-date=15 January 2017 | url-status=dead | access-date=5 August 2024}} The album gained an ARIA Award nomination.{{cite web | title=2007 ARIA Awards Winners | website=ARIA | url=https://www.aria.com.au/awards/past-winners/2007 | access-date=5 August 2024}}
On 26 September 2010, she released a new single, "Come Home", but it was not successful.{{cite web | title=What she wants | website=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=8 June 2012 | url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/what-she-wants-20120608-1zzks.html | access-date=5 August 2024}} In 2012 she released the album Rewind: The Aretha Franklin Songbook.
On 7 November 2014, Anu released a Christmas album, titled Island Christmas,{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/island-christmas/920743604|title=Island Christmas - Christine Anu|publisher=iTunes Australia|access-date=6 November 2014|archive-date=24 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224190031/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/island-christmas/id920743604|url-status=live}} and the following year released ReStylin' Up 20 Years.
In March 2018, Anu released a duet version of "Without You" from the musical Rent with Greg Gould. The lyric video featured photography from around the world, each photo with a splash of red for HIV/AIDS support and awareness.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/without-you-single/1355595369|title=Without You|publisher=iTunes Australia|access-date=24 March 2018|archive-date=24 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324223758/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/without-you-single/1355595369|url-status=dead}}
Through 2023, Anu worked on her first album since 2015's live ReStylin' Up 20 Years. The project is using German ethnomusicologist Wolfgang Laade's recordings of Anu's grandfather, Nadi Anu, which are held by the Australian Institute Of Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Studies. The resulting album, Waku: Minaral a Minalay, was released on 2 August 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/abcmusic/christine-anu-waku/103877844|title=Christine Anu - Waku - Minaral A Minalay |website=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date=22 May 2024|access-date=26 May 2024}} Her daughter, Zipporah, wrote one of the songs on the album.
=Acting=
Anu has had an acting career in film, stage (including musical theatre), and television.
She appeared in Dating the Enemy, a 1996 Australian film starring Guy Pearce and Claudia Karvan.{{cite web | title=Dating the Enemy | website=NFSA | url=https://www.collection.nfsa.gov.au/title/351898 | access-date=5 August 2024}}{{cite web | title=Dating the Enemy | website=TVGuide.com | date=19 September 1996 | url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/dating-the-enemy/cast/2000118540/ | access-date=5 August 2024}} She has also hosted children's television programme Play School.{{cite web | last=Byrnes | first=Holly | title=Remember the stars of Play School? | website=news | date=24 November 2015 | url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/feeling-old-brace-yourself-because-abc-kids-favourite-play-school-is-turning-50/news-story/22450e136bbd9d839f8f13d7c0af17f2 | access-date=5 August 2024}}
Anu appeared in an Australian production of the stage musical Little Shop of Horrors, and her stage career developed with a starring role as Mimi in the original Australian production of Rent in 1998 and 1999,{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/41790-Australias-Rent-Premieres-in-Sydney-Nov-4 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140626202815/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/41790-Australias-Rent-Premieres-in-Sydney-Nov-4 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 June 2014 |title=Australia's Rent Premieres in Sydney Nov. 4 |publisher=Playbill.com |access-date=26 June 2014 }} which played to glowing reviews. Anu was offered a role in a Broadway production of this musical but had to decline due to commitments in recording her second album.
She had parts in the films Moulin Rouge! (2001) and The Matrix Reloaded (2003) as Kali. She also played Kali on the video game Enter the Matrix.{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1Ed50KVLpfgC&q=christine+anu+as+kali+matrix+reloaded&pg=PA77 |title=Screen World - John Willis - Google Books |date=June 2005 |isbn=9781557836380 |access-date=26 June 2014 |last1=Willis |first1=John |publisher=Hal Leonard Corporation |archive-date=17 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717030354/https://books.google.com/books?id=1Ed50KVLpfgC&q=christine+anu+as+kali+matrix+reloaded&pg=PA77 |url-status=live }}
From October 2004 through 2005, she toured Australia in Intimate and Deadly, a cabaret-style stage show based on her life.{{cite web | title=Christine Anu, Intimate and Deadly | website=The Sydney Morning Herald | date=2 October 2004 | url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/christine-anu-intimate-and-deadly-20041002-gdjudj.html | access-date=5 August 2024}} The show opened at Kabarett Voltaire in the Seymour Centre in Sydney, and toured to Melbourne.{{cite web | title= Intimate and Deadly Christine Anu | website= Message Stick |publisher= Australian Broadcasting Corporation | date=17 November 2004 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/message/blackarts/perform/s1245392.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041204202452/http://www.abc.net.au/message/blackarts/perform/s1245392.htm | archive-date=4 December 2004 | url-status=dead | access-date=5 August 2024}}
In 2012 she played the lead role of Australian sci-fi television series Outland, about a gay sci-fi fan club. Anu plays wheelchair-using Rae, the sole female member of the group.{{cite web | last=Vickery | first=Colin | title=Anu sizes up outlandish comedy | website=news | date=31 January 2012 | url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/anu-sizes-up-outlandish-comedy/news-story/b8d51267ac2e9dd17a0275d6f4a92014 | access-date=5 August 2024}}
On the 21 October 2024, it was announced she would be playing the role of Hermes in the touring Australian production of Hadestown.{{Cite web |title=Hadestown at Theatre Royal Sydney |url=https://opera.org.au/events/hadestown-sydney |access-date=2024-10-20 |website=Opera Australia |language=en-US}}
=Other TV =
In 2004, she became a judge on Popstars Live, a television quest broadcast on the Seven Network at 6.30 pm on Sunday night in Australia along the lines of Australian Idol. The program failed to achieve a similar level of success, leading network executives to pressure the judges to offer harsher criticism of the contestants. Anu refused to offer harsher criticism, saying that she wished to be a role model, leading to her resignation as a judge in April 2004.[https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/13/1081621942192.html Sydney Morning Herald article on her departure from Popstars Live] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604105210/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/13/1081621942192.html |date=4 June 2016 }}, smh.com.au, 14 April 2004. Retrieved on 12 June 2012.
In 2009, Anu participated in Who Do You Think You Are.{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/shows/whodoyouthinkyouare/episodes/page/season/2|access-date=7 January 2014|title=Season 2 episodes | Who Do You Think You Are on SBS|archive-date=8 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108041111/http://www.sbs.com.au/shows/whodoyouthinkyouare/episodes/page/season/2|url-status=live}}
In August 2020, Anu was revealed to be "the Goldfish" in the second season of The Masked Singer Australia and was the third contestant unmasked, placing 10th overall.{{cite web|last=Woolford|first=Lisa|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/coronavirus/hibernation/costume-designer-tim-chappel-reveals-secrets-behind-the-masked-singer-australia-creations/news-story/5cb7e08d39d12bebf22b59ac58cd06b6|title=The Masked Singer Australia: Christine Anu unmasked on Ten's hit reality show|date=17 August 2020|website=The Daily Telegraph|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=17 August 2020|url-access=subscription|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717030409/https://insight.adsrvr.org/track/up?adv=vrges6n&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fsubscribe%2Fnews%2F1%2F%3FsourceCode%3DDTWEB_WRE170_a%26dest%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%252Fcoronavirus%252Fhibernation%252Fcostume-designer-tim-chappel-reveals-secrets-behind-the-masked-singer-australia-creations%252Fnews-story%252F5cb7e08d39d12bebf22b59ac58cd06b6%26memtype%3Danonymous%26mode%3Dpremium%26v21%3Ddynamic-cold-control-noscore%26V21spcbehaviour%3Dappend&upid=q5azcqy&upv=1.1.0|url-status=live}}
Anu also performed "Waltzing Matilda" at the 2003 AFL Grand Final{{Cite web |date=30 March 2021 |title=WWRY cast/band at 2003 AFL grand final |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsAcUyl6zck |website=www.youtube.com}}{{cite news |last1=Callander |first1=Sean |date=27 September 2003 |title=Rocking the MCG |url=https://viewer.slv.vic.gov.au/?entity=IE9092983&file=FL17815928 |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=AFL Record |publisher=AFL Publishing |page=64 |volume=92 |issue=26 |agency=State Library of Victoria}} and performed at the 2024 AFL Grand Final.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-10 |title=Aussie favourites confirmed for 2024 Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment |url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/1217485/aussie-favourites-confirmed-for-2024-telstra-pre-game-entertainment |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=afl.com.au |language=en}}
=Radio=
In December 2015, ABC announced that Anu would host the Evenings radio program on ABC Radio Sydney, ABC Radio Canberra and ABC Local Radio stations across New South Wales.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/wendy-harmer-to-replace-linda-mottram-on-702-abc-sydney/story-e6frg996-1227633707846|title=Wendy Harmer to replace Linda Mottram on 702 ABC Sydney|work=The Australian|first=Michael|last=Bodey|date=4 December 2015|access-date=4 December 2015}}{{cite web | last=Napier | first=Kim | title=ABC Radio 2016 line up changes | website=RadioInfo Australia | date=3 December 2015 | url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/abc-radio-2016-line-changes/ | access-date=5 August 2024}} Anu shared the role with Dominic Knight, then took over full-time in April 2016 after Knight's resignation. In the first half of 2016 the program suffered a dip in the ratings after she began hosting.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/radio-ratings-sydney-stable-amid-melbourne-moves/news-story/713edf60230e137e3fa3ca964f0c4ca9|title=Radio ratings: Sydney stable amid Melbourne moves|work=The Australian|first=Michael|last=Bodey|date=31 May 2016|access-date=10 August 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.radioitsalovething.com.au/RIALT/media/RIALT/Images/GfK_Summary-Report-Sydney_Survey-4-2016.pdf|title=Sydney Radio Survey 4, 2016|access-date=17 August 2016|archive-date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923225740/http://www.radioitsalovething.com.au/RIALT/media/RIALT/Images/GfK_Summary-Report-Sydney_Survey-4-2016.pdf|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.radioitsalovething.com.au/RIALT/media/RIALT/Images/GfK_Summary-Report-Sydney_Survey-3-2016.pdf|title=Sydney Radio Survey 3, 2016|access-date=17 August 2016|archive-date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923225726/http://www.radioitsalovething.com.au/RIALT/media/RIALT/Images/GfK_Summary-Report-Sydney_Survey-3-2016.pdf|url-status=live}} In November 2016, ABC announced a national Evenings program on Friday and Saturday across ABC Local Radio, hosted by Anu. Chris Bath replaced Anu as host of Evenings from Monday to Thursday on ABC Radio Sydney, ABC Radio Canberra and ABC Local Radio stations across New South Wales.{{cite web | last=Napier | first=Kim | title=ABC Radio lineup changes for 2017 | website=RadioInfo Australia | date=15 November 2016 | url=https://radioinfo.com.au/news/abc-radio-lineup-changes-2017/ | access-date=5 August 2024}}
After a break, Anu restarted presenting Weekend Evenings in January 2023.{{cite web | title=Christine Anu on Instagram: "Hey Happy People… I'm back on Weekend Evenings for ABC Radio tonight from 7pm. Join me as I discuss a range of interesting topics with inspiring people, dive into some new music and so much more x" | website=Instagram | date=20 January 2023 | url=https://www.instagram.com/anuchristine/p/CnqvE2wL27G/ | access-date=5 August 2024}} {{as of|February 2025}}, Anu presents Weekend Evenings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, along with Sirine Demachkie.{{cite web | title=Weekend Evenings with Christine Anu and Sirine Demachkie | website=ABC listen | date=3 August 2024 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/weekendevenings | access-date=5 August 2024}}
Personal life
Anu is a mother of a son, Kuiam, and daughter,{{cite web|title=Christine Anu|url=http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/life-style/family-entertainment/mum-in-profile/christine-anu-20080916-4hg2.html|work=Essential Baby|access-date=26 July 2013|date=25 September 2008|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105055838/http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/life-style/family-entertainment/mum-in-profile/christine-anu-20080916-4hg2.html|url-status=live}} Zipporah Corser Anu.{{cite web | last=Ford | first=Andrew | title=Christine Anu weaves her story in music and countertenor Iestyn Davies makes his Australian debut | website=ABC listen | date=3 August 2024 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/musicshow/christine-anu-waku-album-iestyn-davies-countertenor-aco/104066504 | access-date=5 August 2024}} Zipporah's father is actor Rodger Corser,{{cite news|title=Rush star Rodger Corser and Renae Berry expecting first child together|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/rush-star-rodger-corser-and-renae-berry-expecting-first-child-together/story-e6frf96o-1225855331431|access-date=26 July 2013|newspaper=Herald Sun|date=19 April 2010}} and she is also musically talented.
Anu married her childhood sweetheart, Simon Deutrom, in 2010.{{cite web|title=Christine Anu|url=http://www.2tlp.com.au/talent.html|work=Ngarralinyi 2TLP Community Indigenous Radio|access-date=26 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722225517/http://2tlp.com.au/talent.html|archive-date=22 July 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Christine Anu: My Facebook wedding |url=http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/new-idea/news/magazine/article/-/8322001/christine-anu-my-facebook-wedding/ |work=New Idea |access-date=26 July 2013 |date=15 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129145450/http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/new-idea/news/magazine/article/-/8322001/christine-anu-my-facebook-wedding/ |archive-date=29 November 2012 }} He is not the father of either of her children. In June 2016, Anu announced that she and Deutrom were separating after six years of marriage, and they later divorced.{{cite web | last=Docherty | first=Erin | title=Christine Anu: 'My kids held me up during my divorce.' | website=Mamamia | date=3 July 2024 | url=https://www.mamamia.com.au/christine-anu-divorce-kids/ | access-date=5 August 2024}}
She revealed in 2012 that she had struggled with weight gain, after suffering from depression, and appeared on the Nine Network's reality show Excess Baggage. After her separation from Deutrom, she lost {{cvt|25|kg}}.{{cite web | title=Christine Anu: 'How I lost my husband... and 25 kg' | website=New Idea | date=5 December 2016 | url=https://www.newidea.com.au/celebrity/christine-anu-how-i-lost-my-husband-and-25-kg/ | access-date=5 August 2024}}
In February 2020, Anu pleaded guilty in the Rockhampton Magistrates Court to mid-range drunk driving, after having been pulled over by police in Rockhampton on New Year's Eve.Nufer, Darryn (24 February 2020) [https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/pop-star-fronts-rocky-court-on-drink-driving-charg/3951911 Pop star fronts court on drink driving charge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227114453/https://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/news/pop-star-fronts-rocky-court-on-drink-driving-charg/3951911/ |date=27 February 2020 }}, The Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 7 March 2020.(24 February 2020) [https://www.9news.com.au/national/christine-anu-guilty-drink-driving-lost-driving-license-rockhampton/8e45d01f-48f9-48f3-b2a8-1299022a2348 ARIA Award winner Christine Anu loses license for NYE drink driving] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224162857/https://www.9news.com.au/national/christine-anu-guilty-drink-driving-lost-driving-license-rockhampton/8e45d01f-48f9-48f3-b2a8-1299022a2348 |date=24 February 2020 }}, Nine News. Retrieved 7 March 2020. She was fined A$650 and had her driver's license suspended for three months.
Discography
{{Main|Christine Anu discography}}
=Studio albums=
- Stylin' Up (1995)
- Come My Way (2000)
- 45 Degrees (2003)
- Acoustically (2005)
- Chrissy's Island Family (2007)
- Rewind: The Aretha Franklin Songbook (2012)
- Island Christmas (2014)
- Waku: Minaral a Minalay (2024)
=Live albums=
- Intimate and Deadly (2010)
- ReStylin' Up 20 Years (2015)
Filmography
=Films and television=
=Theatre and stage performances=
The following list includes selected stage performances by Anu.{{cite web | title=AusStage | website=AusStage | url=https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/233966 | access-date=5 August 2024}}
Awards and nominations
=ARIA Awards=
The ARIA Music Awards are a set of annual ceremonies presented by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which recognise excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of the music of Australia. They commenced in 1987.
ARIA Awards won by Anu include:{{cite web|url=http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history-by-artist.php?letter=C&artist=Christine%20Anu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519020402/http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history-by-artist.php?letter=C&artist=Christine%20Anu |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 May 2011 |title=History: Winners by Artist: Christine Anu |work=ARIA Awards |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) |access-date=18 May 2009 }}
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Work ! Result |
|---|
| rowspan="2"| 1994
| rowspan="2"|"Last Train" |{{nom}} |
| Breakthrough Artist – Single
|{{nom}} |
| rowspan="5"| 1995
| rowspan="4"|Stylin' Up |{{nom}} |
| Breakthrough Artist – Album
|{{nom}} |
| Best Female Artist
|{{nom}} |
| Album of the Year
|{{nom}} |
| Song of the Year
| "Island Home" |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="3"|1996
| Best Indigenous Release | rowspan="3"|"Come On" |{{won}} |
| Best Pop Release
|{{nom}} |
| Best Female Artist
|{{won}} |
| 1998
| Best Video (director Baz Luhrmann) | "Now Until the Break of Day" |{{won}} |
| rowspan="2"|2000
| rowspan="2"|"Sunshine on a Rainy Day" |{{won}} |
| Best Female Artist
|{{nom}} |
| rowspan="2"|2001
| Best Pop Release | rowspan="2"|Come My Way |{{nom}} |
| Best Female Artist
|{{nom}} |
| 2007
|{{nom}} |
| 2015
|{{nom}} |
| 2024
|Best World Music Album |Waku: Minaral a Minalay |{{nom}} |
=Australian Women in Music Awards=
The Australian Women in Music Awards is an annual event that celebrates outstanding women in the Australian Music Industry who have made significant and lasting contributions in their chosen field. They commenced in 2018.
{{awards table}}
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2019{{cite web|url=https://womeninmusicawards.com.au/2019-recipients-finalists/|title=Congratulations to our 2019 Recipients & Finalists|website=women in Music Awards|date=October 2019|access-date=19 March 2021|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728100436/https://womeninmusicawards.com.au/2019-recipients-finalists/|url-status=live}}
| Christine Anu
| Diversity in Music Award
| {{won}}
|-
| Christine Anu
| Artistic Excellence Award
| {{won}}
{{end}}
=Deadly Awards=
The Deadly Awards, (commonly known simply as The Deadlys), was an annual celebration of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in music, sport, entertainment and community. They ran from 1996 to 2013.
{{awards table}}
|-
| 1996
| Herself
| Female Artist of the Year
| {{won}}
|-
| 1998
| Herself
| Female Artist of the Year
| {{won}}
|-
| 2000
| Single of the Year
| {{won}}
|-
| 2003
| Herself
| Female Artist of the Year
| {{won}}
|-
| 2004
| "Talk About Love"
| Single of the Year
| {{won}}
|-
{{end}}
=Green Room Awards=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Award ! Work ! Result |
|---|
| 1999
| Best Female Actor in a Leading Roles (Music Theatre) | Rent | {{won}} |
=National Indigenous Music Awards=
The National Indigenous Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises the achievements of Indigenous Australians in music.
{{Awards table}}
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="1"| 2024
| Song of the Year
| {{nominated}}
| rowspan="1"| {{cite web|url= https://themusic.com.au/industry/the-kid-laroi-barkaa-lead-national-indigenous-music-awards-nominations/yHR22t3c394/19-07-24 |title= The Kid LAROI & Barkaa Lead National Indigenous Music Awards Nominations |website=The Music|date= 19 July 2024|access-date= 19 July 2024|author= Mary Varvaris }}
|}
=Queensland Music Awards=
The Queensland Music Awards (previously known as Q Song Awards) are annual awards celebrating Queensland, Australia's emerging artists. They commenced in 2006.{{cite web |url=https://www.queenslandmusicawards.com.au/about/ |title=About the Queensland Music Awards |publisher=Queensland Music Awards |access-date=21 March 2021}}
{{Awards table}}
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| 2025
| herself
| Lifetime Achievement Award
| {{yes2|awarded}}
|}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
- {{official|https://www.christineanu.com/}}
- {{IMDb name|0031655}}
- {{allmusic|id=christine-anu-mn0000780336}}
- [https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/233966 Christine Anu] on AusStage
- [https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20040218140009/http://www.undercover.com.au/idol/christineanu.html Interview with Christine Anu] (2004)
- [https://www.portrait.gov.au/portraits/2004.8/waiting-for-zipporah-christine-anu Waiting for Zipporah (Christine Anu)] at National Portrait Gallery (Australia)
{{Christine Anu}}
{{ARIA Award for Best Female Artist 1990s}}
{{Torres Strait |state=autocollapse}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Anu, Christine}}
Category:21st-century Australian singers
Category:21st-century Australian women singers
Category:Australian children's television presenters
Category:Australian women pop singers
Category:Australian women television presenters
Category:Indigenous Australian actresses
Category:Indigenous Australian musicians
Category:Mushroom Records artists
Category:Musicians from Queensland
Category:Culture of the Torres Strait Islands