Emily Wurramara captivated the audience, 3% earned Song of the Year, BARKAA triumphed in multiple categories, and Sammy Butcher was honoured with the Hall of Fame induction.
In a milestone 20th year, the National Indigenous Music Awards, sponsored by Amazon Music, marked their grandest celebration yet of First Nations music. Held tonight, August 10, at the Darwin Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country, the landmark event brought together an incredible lineup of performances and honoured a group of incredible winners.
Waanyi/Gangaliida rapper, Jamahl Yami, kicked off the performances of the night as the winner of the 2024 triple j Unearthed NIMA competition. His bold and powerful performance warmed the audience up for the night ahead as families and friends gathered together under the stars.
The ensuing ceremony was a highlight reel of top notch performances. Jessica Mauboy, a superstar of the Australian music scene, graced the stage with her powerhouse vocals, while the collaborative performance from Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) and the legendary Dr. Shellie Morris AO moved the audience.
Across the evening were even more world class performances from favourites Dan Sultan, 3%, Miss Kaninna, Birdz and Fred Leone, Eleanor Jawurlngali and Emily Wurramara.
The crowd was up and dancing as the night finished off with several performing artists playing a joint medley of some of the greatest First Nations songs in history – an apt sign-off for the 20th anniversary NIMA event.
Co-hosts and triple j icons Karla Ranby and Nooky paid considerable homage to the past, present and future of Aboriginal music as they kept the evening’s festivities flowing. Their undeniable chemistry was unmatched across the night, as they made the crowd laugh, honoured 20 years of NIMA, and delivered awards to their rightful winners.
NIMA Creative Director Ben Graetz reflected on the significance of this year’s ceremony, saying,
“What an incredible night at NIMAs celebrating the 20th anniversary! It made me feel so proud seeing all the mob come from around the country to share in the celebrations and to honour our extraordinary musicians. A big highlight for me was the special NIMA medley and Jessica Mauboy, who also celebrates her 20 years in the music industry.”
The night’s big winner was BARKAA, who took home both Artist of the Year and Film Clip of the Year for her powerful anthem “We Up,” which just bolsters her reputation as a standout in the industry.
3% made a major impact by winning Song of the Year for their anthem “OUR PEOPLE,” while Dan Sultan’s self-titled album was awarded Album of the Year. Sultan’s performance added to the night’s excitement, underscoring his status as a leading figure in Australian music.
Becca Hatch, the fierce performer on a meteoric rise to the top, was celebrated as New Talent of the Year and Bulman School & Community’s stunning work on “Nidjarra” earned them the Community Clip of the Year award.
This year excitingly saw a shared win for the Indigenous Language Award, for Rrawun Maymuru with “Yolngu” and Electric Fields with “Anpuru Maau Kutjpa” – both being recognised for their contributions to preserving and celebrating Indigenous languages through music.
In a special moment, the beloved Sammy Butcher was honoured as this year’s inductee into the NIMA Hall of Fame. The Warumpi Band member and decorated solo artist’s long-standing influence on Indigenous and Australian music was celebrated in this heartfelt tribute, recognising his remarkable legacy.
The 20th National Indigenous Music Awards was a celebration of booming performances, sincere tributes, and iconic moments that each highlighted a significant chapter in the legacy of First Nations music.
triple j will broadcast the highlights and wrap-up of the evening to radio on Blak Out on Sunday 11 August.
The evening’s festivities were broadcast on NITV and SBS On Demand from Larrakia Country to the whole nation from 8pm, and can be re-watched for free on SBS On Demand from Sunday August 11.
2024 NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS
Artist of the Year
BARKAA
New Talent of the Year
Becca Hatch
Film Clip of the Year
BARKAA – ‘We Up’
Album of the Year
Dan Sultan – Dan Sultan
Song of the Year
3% – ‘OUR PEOPLE’
Community Clip of the Year
Bulman School & Community – ‘Nidjarra’
Indigenous Language Award
Electric Fields, Anpuru Maau Kutjpa
& Rrawun Maymuru, Yolngu
Hall of Fame
Sammy Butcher