This year the NIMA's will once again take over the iconic Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday 11 August to recognise Indigenous excellent. Performances from some of the hottest musical acts include Yolngu rapper Baker Boy, indie duo Busby Marou and special guest country star, Kasey Chambers. The night will also host the triple j Unearthed Indigenous winner for 2018 with a live performance from the winner.
Due to the need for more recognition for Indigenous artists that was not coming from mainstream media, the NIMAs were established in 2004 as the NT Indigenous Music Awards. However, its popularity gained momentum and led the awards to a national platform in 2012.
Over the years the awards have seen early performances from new talent such as Baker Boy, Thelma Plum and Robbie Miller as well as moving tributes to Gurrumul and Yothu Yindi as well as Hall of Fame recognition for the likes of Kutcha Edwards, Vic Simms, Seaman Dan, Archie Roach, Jimmy Little and many more.
This year has been a hugely successful one for Indigenous artists with number #1 albums, (including the final album Djarramirri by Dr G), national tours, , Hottest 100 placements and those who have played in dozens of festivals across the country.
“The growth in the National Indigenous Music Awards has mirrored the growth of Indigenous music more generally over the last fifteen years,” said NIMA Reference Group Chair Warren H. Williams.
“As our musicians have continued their journey of taking their rightful place at the forefront of Australian music, the awards have been there not just to celebrate their successes, but to be a launching pad for new talent and discovery vehicle for musicians, whether they are from Darwin, Devonport, Derby, Dubbo or the Daintree.”
The NIMA's have launched a special Spotify playlist of this years finalists, stream here and check out the nominees below.
Electro artist Kuren's debut album Meeting Conceptually is up for best album at this year's National Indigenous Music Awards Source: Supplied by Danyal Syed
Album of the Year:
Dan Sultan - Killer
Emily Wurramara – Milyakburra
Gurrumul Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow)
Kardajala Kirridarra –Kardajala Kirridarra
Kuren – Melting Conceptually
Best New Talent (Presented by Spotify):
Alice Skye
Alice Skye
Baker Boy
Emily Wurramara
Isaiah
Ziggy Ramo
Song of the Year:
Baker Boy – Marryuna
Busby Marou – Days of Gold
Dan Sultan - Kingdom
Gurrumul – Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow)
Kardajala Kirridarra - Ngurra
Kardajala Kirridarra - Ngurra
Film Clip of the Year:
Alice Skye – Friends With Feelings
Baker Boy – Marryuna
Birdz – This Side
Black Rock Band – Bininj Kuborrk
Jessica Mauboy – We Got Love
Baker Boy – Marryuna
Birdz – This Side
Black Rock Band – Bininj Kuborrk
Jessica Mauboy – We Got Love
Artist of the Year:
A.B. Original
Archie Roach
Electric Fields
Gurrumul
Jessica Mauboy
Community Clip of the Year:
Ali Curung NT – Bounce With Me
B-Town Warriors – Thundercloud: Bourke
Condobolin, NSW: The Condo Crew – How Ya Feelin
Githabul Next Generation – Looking Out For Country
Mulli Mulli
Yiyili Mawoolie – Yiyili Kids
