“I’m thrilled to see such an extraordinary list of finalists this year and cannot wait for live performances from some of our most powerful First Nations musicians."
One of Australia’s most important and prestigious events, the National Indigenous Music Awards' fourteenth birthday is shaping up to be a massive one.
Organisers have today confirmed this year’s finalists and a talent-packed line-up of performers for the August 6 event at Darwin Amphitheatre.
More than 20 talented artists have been nominated as the finest in First Nations music, with BARKAA, Baker Boy and Thelma Plum leading today’s announcement, the latter of whom will perform during the event alongside King Stingray, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Birdz, Fred Leone, Yirrmal, and J-MILLA with more to be announced.
Malyangapa and Barkindji woman and fast-rising star BARKAA picks up four nominations, followed by Yolngu man Baker Boy with three, while previous winners The Kid LAROI, Jessica Mauboy, Electric Fields, King Stingray, Miiesha, Mo Ju, Emma Donovan & The Putbacks, Birdz, Dallas Woods, Archie Roach, Tasman Keith and Tilly Tjala Thomas make the list alongside first-time nominees Xavier Rudd, Jem Cassar-Daley, Lil Kootsie, Dobby and dameeeela.
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“After a two year hiatus it’s very exciting to be bringing the NIMAs back to the Darwin Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country,” said NIMA Creative Director Ben Graetz.
“I’m thrilled to see such an extraordinary list of finalists this year and cannot wait for live performances from some of our most powerful First Nations musicians such as Thelma Plum and Emma Donovan & The Putbacks. This year is all about coming together and celebrating as one big community.”
Tickets for the NIMAs are on sale now here and you can check out the full list of nominees below.
The Kid Laroi
Jessica Mauboy
Baker Boy
Electric Fields
Thelma Plum
King Stingray
Backseat of My Mind - Thelma Plum
Made For Silence - Miiesha
Milkumana - King Stingray
Sometime - Mo Ju
King Brown - Barkaa
Ball and Chain - Xavier Rudd
Baker Boy – Gela
Emma Donovan & the Putbacks – Under These Streets
Jem Cassar-Daley – I Don’t Know Who to Call
Birdz – Legacy
Dallas Woods – Julie’s Boy
Archie Roach – My songs 1989 - 2021
Love Too Soon - Tasman Keith
King Brown - Barkaa
Blak Matriarchy - Barkaa
My Mind - Baker Boy
Automatic - Jessica Mauboy
Barkaa
Jem Cassar-Daley
Lil Kootsie
Tilly Tjala Thomas
Dobby
dameeeela
Koori Mob - Our Country, Our Life - Desert Pea Media
Gumbaynggirr Collective - Through the Smoke - Desert Pea Media
Doomadgee, QLD - Where We Wanna Be - Indigenous Outreach Project
Numbulwar, NT - Loud & Proud - Indigenous Outreach Project
Ballarat, VIC - Don’t Give Up On Yourself - Indigenous Outreach Project