After a massive 2017 event hosting, recognising and even breaking Indigenous talent, the National Indigenous Music Awards are back for another year, opening nominations to find the best new Indigenous talent from across the country. The awards will take place in Darwin on August 11.
Last year’s event smashed box office records, with over 4000 people making the trek to Darwin to enjoy an amazing night of music under the stars at Darwin’s iconic Amphitheatre. From a moving tribute to Dr G. Yunupingu through to a politically charged tour de force from A.B. Original, Paul Kelly and Dan Sultan and a national platform for newcomers Baker Boy and Electric Fields, the awards delivered on their promise of celebrating the growing power of Australian First Nations music.
Nominations for the 2018 awards open today. All Australians are urged to nominate their favourite Indigenous artists and releases, with self-nomination also encouraged.
“The NIMAs are not just about winning a trophy, they are about recognition and promotion of artists in their own communities and to the wider Australian community said National Indigenous Music Awards Reference Group Chair Warren H. Williams. “Last year was arguably the biggest ever for Australian Indigenous music and this year already looks like surpassing it, so we want to make sure that Australia knows and recognises these amazing artists and the things they are achieving for Australian music.”
With Baker Boy taking out two places in this year’s Hottest 100, Dr G. Yunupingu’s posthumous final album released this April, A.B. Original scooping the pool of awards across Australia, another successful season of Jessica Mauboy’s TV drama, The Lonely Boys supporting Queens of the Stoneage and so many more instances of Indigenous musicians making their mark, this year’s NIMAs will be a timely reminder of the breadth of musical talent across all genres of Australian music.
“Last year’s NIMAs kicked me off in the right direction and this year I’m pumped to nominate for an award,” said Baker Boy. “A NIMA would be sick!”
Judging of the National Indigenous Music Awards will be split this year, with 50% of votes coming from a panel of prominent Indigenous Australians and community leaders and 50% from a panel of Indigenous and non-Indigenous media and music industry representatives.
TO NOMINATE AN ARTIST FOR THE
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS, VISIT:
TO NOMINATE AN ARTIST FOR THE
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS, VISIT:
