The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) presented by YouTube marked 21 years of honouring the talent, diversity and power of First Nations music.
With powerful live performances, six award categories and pure celebration under the stars at Darwin Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country, this year’s event showcased the richness of Blak sound and storytelling, reflecting the ever-growing strength of First Nations artistry.
Winners on the night; Emily Wurramara took home two major awards – including the prestigious Artist of the Year presented by YouTube and Film Clip of the Year for her stunning 2024 single “Lordy Lordy” ft. Tasman Keith. In an emotional moment, Emily brought her mother on stage during her acceptance, leaving the crowd visibly moved as she thanked her people and proclaimed mob’s impact throughout her life and in her music. Andrew Gurruwiwi Band were also double winners, taking out New Talent of the Year and Song of the Year for their irresistible track “Once Upon A Time”. BARKAA was recognised with Album of the Year for her acclaimed record BIG TIDDA, cementing her status as one of hip-hop’s fiercest voices and its Blak matriarch. Community Clip of the Year went to Bulman School & Community for “Crocodile Style”, a vibrant retelling of the Dalabon story of how humans came to have fire, featuring local students celebrating traditional knowledge and contemporary creativity.
Blak excellence across all generations was on show, as live performances from legends and rising stars alike electrified the amphitheatre. Drifting Clouds kicked off the music lineup with their synth-laden dream-pop and had the whole crowd singing along in language. Eleanor Jawurlngali and MickTurner premiered the stirring new single “Alice Rising” from their upcoming album with Dirty Three, while Kankawa Nagarra and her guitar captivated the crowd. Surprise performer Miss Kaninna showed everyone she’s got that dawg in her, while BARKAA and LeroyJohnson performed their Song of the Year nominated track “Ngamaka”.
The night’s pinnacle moment, the induction of Jessica Mauboy into the NIMAs Hall of Fame, alongside an awe-inspiring performance of her new single “While I Got Time”, ignited her hometown audience. In her acceptance speech, she honoured her family and ancestors, paying homage to her journey, community and the sacrifices made along the way.
Closing the final stanza, VelvetTrip’s cosmic stylings left the amphitheatre spellbound, followed by
EmmaDonovan’s two soulful, powerful tracks that took us to the river. Before the final curtain, Troy Cassar-Daley had the audience up on their feet with his country swagger, leaving everyone with a departing message, “don’t be afraid to dream out loud”.
“While this year’s awards recognised some amazing NT talent, it’s clear First Nations music is making waves across the country. 2025 was a celebration of both music and message and we loved every song and story across the night.”
– Mark Smith, Executive Director MusicNT
For over 20 years, the NIMAs have blossomed as a platform championing First Nations music from all corners of the land – from honouring esteemed musical icons to launching the careers of new musicians. The awards remain an important calendar event for fans and artists alike, from all ages and all cultures, gathering to experience and honour the best in Indigenous music.