National Indigenous Music Awards
Held under the stars at Darwin’s iconic Gardens Amphitheatre, the NIMAs – Australia’s most prominent Indigenous music awards – showcase the rich musical landscape of Australia, bringing together performers and audiences from all corners of the country in a celebration of contemporary Indigenous music, dance and culture.
By Roslyn Perry
In a fitting recognition of a number of important milestones – including the 50th anniversary of the Wave Hill walk-off, the 40th anniversary of the Land Rights Act, 30 years since the release of Yothu Yindi’s double platinum selling album Tribal Voice and 25 years since the iconic sound of ‘Treaty’ pulsated across the country and raced to the top of the charts – this year’s theme is one that revolves around the importance and power of protest songs.
“This year’s NIMAs coinciding with these important anniversaries will again shine a light on Indigenous music across the country. Music has stoked the fire and been a voice of protest for many years and what better way to recognise a year of milestones than celebrating the strong history of Indigenous protest songs,” said Mark Smith, Executive Director of MusicNT and NIMAs.
This year, the NIMAs have aligned with two iconic annual Indigenous events – the 33rd Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair – in a huge August weekend celebration of Indigenous excellence.
A stellar line-up of Indigenous musicians from across the country are set to take the NIMA stage, bringing their voice to these seminal songs. AB Original – a collaboration between Briggs (2015 Album of the Year recipient) and ARIA Award winning producer Trials, lead singer and songwriter for indie/alt band The Medics Kahl Wallis, rising star Stanley Gawurra Gaykamangu and emerging artists Rayella, Chris Tamwoy and David Spry are just some of the talents to have been announced – watch this space for more!
WHEN Sat 6 Aug | 7pm
AT Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre
COST $35 | $28 Conc | Under 12 Free
INFO nima.musicnt.com.au
