Baker Boy has cemented his reputation as a champion of First Nations music after being named artist of the year at the 2019 National Indigenous Music Awards.
The hip hop star - real name Danzal Baker - grew up in north-east Arnhem Land and has earned mainstream success rapping in the Yolngu Matha language.
He received his latest accolade at a ceremony held for the NIMAs at the Darwin Amphitheatre.
"Thank you to all you mob for supporting me and my career and giving me the power to keep moving forward and working hard for the next generation," Baker said.
It comes six months after he was named and his single ‘Mr La Di Da Di’ was voted into the Triple J Hottest 100.
"For all my young brothers and sisters, keep working hard and chasing them dreams," Baker said.
"Don't stop. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do anything."
The other big winner, Filipino and Wiradjuri singer-songwriter Mojo Juju, took home two awards: song of the year and album of the year.
She was unable to attend the ceremony because she was performing at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. The awards were accepted by fellow musician Kaiit on her behalf.
"Big ups, Mojo Juju," she said. "I love seeing my friends win and do amazing things."
and featured performances from Jessica Mauboy and Dan Sultan as well as Indigenous choir collective Spinifex Gum, Larrakia Nation’s Kenbi Dancers and Indigenous violinist Eric Avery.
2019 NIMA WINNERS
Artist of the Year
- Baker Boy
Album of the Year
- Mojo Juju - Native Tongue
Song of the Year
- Mojo Juju - Native Tongue
New Talent of the Year
- Kaiit
Film Clip of the Year
- Briggs - Life Is Incredible
Community Clip of the Year
- Deni Mob - State Of The Heart
