National Indigenous Music Awards
Each year, the National Indigenous Music Awards celebrate not just the greatest music being made by Indigenous artists but, quite simply, some of the greatest music being made in Australia and the world. And this year’s list of finalists – marking the 15th anniversary of the awards – is no exception.
Nominees this year include some familiar and much loved names, such as Gurrumul Yunupingu (Album, Song and Artist Of The Year), Dan Sultan (Album and Song Of The Year), Jessica Mauboy (Film Clip and Artist Of The Year), and Archie Roach (Artist Of The Year).
But amongst the list of potential award winners are names that were unknown to most just a few short years ago, highlighting the depth and diversity of talent that continues to emerge from the Indigenous music scene.
Amongst some of the relative new-comers are Birdz and Black Rock Band (Film Clip Of The Year), Emily Wurramura (Best New Talent and Album Of The Year) and Alice Skye (Best New Talent and Film Clip Of The Year).
Alongside Gurrumul, Arnhem Land rap sensation Baker Boy leads the finalists with three nominations for Song Of The Year, Film Clip Of The Year and Best New
Talent, and is sure to set the awards night on fire as he takes to the stage for his second NIMA appearance, following his debut last year.
“It was amazing,” says Baker of last year’s show.
“I was so nervous, but when I walked out and started rapping, it was just a really good feeling. I had an amazing time on the stage. I can’t wait to do it again."
At the show last year, many of his family took to the stage in traditional dance, and Baker says he’s looking forward to bringing more family up on stage this year – but with some very different moves.
Film Clip Of The Year nominated ‘Marryuna’ is one of the main songs Baker will perform, and he wants everyone on their feet dancing.
“The best part of the video clip is that I had my dad and my uncle, who pretty much started me dancing, dancing with me in the clip.”
So will they be up on stage this year as well?
“Hopefully! And also Yirrmal, who provided the amazing chorus, hopefully he’ll be performing ‘Marryuna’ with us as well so everyone can see the whole film clip come alive on stage.”
Baker and Yirrmal will be joined at this year’s NIMA by Busby Marou, Kasey Chambers with Alan Pigram, Stiff Gins, Alice Skye, Roger Knox, Kardajala Kirridara, Kenbi Dancers, and the Central Australian Women’s Choir.
Sat 11 Aug | 7pm | Gates 6pm | Darwin Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre | See the event listing
Thumbnail: Jessica Mauboy; Header: Yirrmal; Inset: Alice Skye (top left), Baker Boy (middle), Emily Wurramura (bottom)
