The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) today unveils its electrifying 2026 live performance lineup, as the iconic celebration returns to the Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday 8 August. Returning to the NIMAs stage will be none other than Yolŋu rapper, dancer and artist Baker Boy, aka Danzal Baker OAM, this year’s ceremony promises an unmissable powerhouse bill of legends and rising stars, showcasing First Nations excellence at its most powerful.
Fresh off his second studio album, DJANDJAY, released in October last year and named after both his grandmother and a Yolŋu spiritual figure, Baker Boy enlisted a string of heavyweight collaborators including Briggs, Haiku Hands, Thelma Plum and Emma Donovan. Six years on from his debut album, the six-time ARIA Award winner has firmly cemented himself as one of the country’s most exciting multidisciplinary artists. To close out 2025, Baker Boy was crowned Musician of the Year at the 2025GQ Men of the Year Awards and took his hit track “Thick Skin”to one of the country’s biggest stages alongside headliner Snoop Dogg at last year’s 2025 AFL Grand Final.
Also billed to perform are multi-award-winning electronic duo Electric Fields, a force of nature powered by Zaachariaha Fielding’s soaring vocals – who often sings in his traditional languages of the Anangu people – paired with Michael Ross’ masterful production. Their performances blur the lines between soulful pop, vast electronic soundscapes and powerful storytelling drawn from the traditions of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. Further adding power to the lineup is Western Aranda woman Casii Williams, a third-generation musician from Ntaria/Hermannsburg in Central Australia. First performing at 10 to a crowd of 20,000 at the Yipirinya Festival, she’s since found her voice in electronic music, with singles “Fallin Down” and “How Can I” earning her airplay on triple j and a #1 spot on the AMRAP national radio charts.
Proud Yorta-Yorta/Wurundjeri/Wemba-Wemba man and Aboriginal Australian music icon BRIGGS is trading hip-hop beats for guitar riffs with his new project BIG NOTER, a full-throttle return to the hardcore, punk and metal sounds that raised him. Also joining the lineup are StiffGins, Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta woman Kaleena Briggs and Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson, Australia’s longest performing Indigenous female group and matriarchal pioneers of the Blak music scene. Since 1997 they have captivated audiences across the globe with their powerful blend of folk, roots and Indigenous language, delivered through breathtaking harmonies and warm, witty storytelling. Their newest album Crossroads, a finalist in the NSW Music Prize for Best First Nations Album, stands as their most accomplished work yet.
Alongside them, Torres Strait Islander artist Zipporah arrives fresh off her debut mixtape NAUNGU URUI – an explosive introduction to one of Australia’s most exciting new voices. The proud Samu and Suy woman from Saibai Island weaves R&B, soul and jazz into deeply personal stories of culture, identity and lived experience, continuing a proud musical lineage. To round out this year’s lineup is decorated Noongar woman and Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Bumpy, whose voice is equal parts tender and towering. Weaving contemporary soul, funk, jazz and folk into an almost hypnotic live experience, she has graced stages at London Jazz Festival, WOMADelaide and Sydney Opera House, and shared bills with Hiatus Kaiyote, Herbie Hancock and Meshell Ndegeocello. Her debut album Kanana was named a Top 10 Album of 2025 by both Rolling Stone and Double J.
Baker Boy says on his involvement in this year’s ceremony: “Pumped to be heading back up North for the NIMAs, it’s always deadly seeing all the mob come together and celebrating our talent. Not gonna lie, I’m pretty keen to get my hands on some mud crab, true god.”
In 2026, the National Indigenous Music Awards will once again bring together deadly live performances, prestigious awards and powerful cultural celebration against the stunning backdrop of Garramilla/Darwin. Recent NIMAs alumni include Hall of Fame inductee Jessica Mauboy with standout performances from trailblazing rapper BARKAA and acclaimed group 3%, reflecting the rich legacy of First Nations artists that the awards continue to champion.
The NIMAs take place during a week-long celebration of First Nations excellence, alongside the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA). Running from 5–11 August, the week offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience some of the country’s most significant Indigenous arts, culture and music events in the heart of the Top End.
Grab your tickets to this year’s ceremony here.