Name: Christine Anu

Christine was born in Cairns, North Queensland, of Torres Strait Island descent. She studied at the National Aboriginal And Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) and graduated with an associate diploma of dance in 1992. Since graduating from NAISDA, Christine has performed both in Australia and overseas with Bangarra Dance Theatre and the Aboriginal and Island Dance Theatre.

1995 saw the release of Christine's debut album, Stylin'Up, which remained in the top 100 charts for over a year and included the hits Party, Island Home and Monkey & The Turtle. The album went platinum in Australia. Her version of Island Home won the 1995 Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA) award for song of the year for Neil Murray.

In 1996 Christine was awarded best female artist at the Australasian Recording Industry Awards (ARIAs) and best female artist at the Deadly Sounds National Aboriginal & Islander Music Awards. She then worked on the track Now Until The Break Of Day with Baz Luhrmann for the album Something For Everybody. This track was released as a single & the video won Best Video at the recent ARIA Awards.

1997 saw Christine starring in the musical Little Shop Of Horrors followed by a year in the hit musical Rent in 1998/99 to outstanding critical acclaim. Her role as Mimi in Rent led to her being invited to perform the role in the Broadway version - an invitation she had to decline due to work being in progress on her next album.

The end of 1999 through to now has seen Christine madly working on every facet of her career:

Songwriting: 2 months were spent in London songwriting. Returning with the material for her next album as well as a UK producer for the project.
Recording: 14 tracks have now been recorded with the first single Sunshine On A Rainy Day released on May 8th followed by the album in September 2000.
Acting: Christine has the role of Arabia in the Baz Luhrmann film Moulin Rouge and a role in the upcoming Matrix sequel.
Performance (band): A band has just been put together ready for a full schedule of dates when her new album is released. The first show was a sellout at Albert Park in Melbourne on New Years Eve.
Performance (corporate): Christine has recently performed at the following functions/events: Adidas Tennis Final, Louis Vouitton Party, QANTAS "Spirit Of Australia" Concert, Australia Day Council Lunch, Young Australian Of The Year Awards, just to name a few.

Christine has just finished working with Stuart Crichton (Apollo 440) on the new album.

Sunshine On A Rainy Day has been in the top 40 charts for 13 weeks as of the 31st July 2000. The original "Sunshine On A Rainy Day" was a UK #1 hit for Zoe.

Source: <Christine Anu official site>

Christine Anu plays Kali.