EMMA DONOVAN LED A MAGICAL TRIBUTE TO ARCHIE ROACH, MANUEL DHURKKAY INDUCTED GURRUMUL INTO THE HALL OF FAME WHILE BAKER BOY SWEPT UP THE WINS.
Last night the Darwin Amphitheatre hosted an emotional return to country for the National Indigenous Music Awards, after a two-year hiatus.
Under the Larrakia stars, the country’s finest artists were celebrated in a ceremony hosted by writer, actor and comedian, Steven Oliver. It involved performances from the beloved King Stingray, among many others, as well as a touching tribute to the late Uncle Archie Roach put on by Emma Donovan and Fred Leone.
Steven Oliver, a descendant of the Kukuyalanji, Waanyi, Gangalidda, Woppaburra, Bundjalung and Biripi peoples, was an immaculate host. He kept the crowd enthralled with his quick-wit and charm as he dished out awards to the best of the best on First Nations music.
To celebrate the life of the beloved Uncle Archie Roach, Emma Donovan and Fred Leone paired up to lead a rendition of Archie’s iconic track “We Won’t Cry”, joined on stage by a host of First Nations artists in front of a teary crowd. They honour the legacy of a powerhouse musician, storyteller and philanthropist whose imprint has already spanned generations, and will continue to do so.
The night’s big winner was Yolngu man Baker Boy, who took home trophies for the coveted Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for his debut record, Gela.
Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung indie artist Jem Cassar-Daley fast rise to success won her New Talent of the Year after the 2021 release of her debut EP, I Don’t Know Who to Call.
Yolngu surf-rock band King Stingray have received the coveted Song of the Year award for their single, ‘Milkumana,’ which signals the kind of success projected for their debut album, released on Friday.
Producing the finest First Nations clips of the year were Barkaa, the Malyangapa and Barkindji woman who was awarded Film Clip of the Year for her banging tune, ‘King Brown,’ and Indigenous Outreach Projects who earned Community Clip of the Year.
The Archie Roach Foundation Award went to Dobby
The NIMAs also celebrated the life and important work of Gurrumul, inducting him into the Hall of Fame as a part of the ceremony. He was tributed with a performance by his brother and Saltwater Band co-founder, Manuel Dhurrkay.
King Stingray treated us to a taste of their new record in an electrifying set. Birdz and Fred Leone teamed up to form a killer Hip-Hop duo, while Emma Donovan and the Putbacks put on a soulful show.
Yirrmal graced the stage with his singing, sharing Yolngu language, and the Red Flag Dancers performed traditional dance.
Noongar artist Bumpy performed a stunning set as the much-deserved winner of this year’s NIMAs triple j Unearthed contest. The evening was brought to your airwaves by NITV, Viceland, triple j and Double J in the first in-person ceremony that the NIMAs have been able to safely hold since 2019.
National Indigenous Music Awards Winners 2022
Artist of the Year
Baker Boy
Album of the Year
Baker Boy – Gela
New Talent of the Year
Jem Cassar-Daley
Song of the Year
King Stingray – Milkumana
Song Writers: Roy Kellaway / Gotjirringu Jerome Yunipingu
Film Clip of the Year
Barkaa – King Brown
Directed & Produced by: Sonder Films
Executive Producer: Vyva Entertainment
Community Clip of the Year
Numbulwar, NT – Loud & Proud
Directors & Producers: Indigenous Outreach Projects
/Matthew Mastratisi /Franceska Fusha / Lesley Phillips/Jordan O’Davis
Numbulwar Community & School
Hall of Fame
Gurrumul
Archie Roach Foundation Award
Dobby