• BARKAA and The Kid Laroi lead the nominations for the milestone event set to take place on

    The National Indigenous Music Awards have today announced the finalists for the 20th anniversary event to be held at its iconic home at Darwin Amphitheatre, Larrakia country, on August 10 – with icons BARKAA and The Kid Laroi leading the pack for the most nominations.

    An event sponsored by Amazon Music, the night’s festivities will be broadcast on NITV on Saturday 10 August, 8pm, from Larrakia Country at the Darwin Amphitheatre so that music lovers nationwide can check out which of their favourites take the win.

    Leading this year’s finalists is ARIA-winner BARKAA, nominated for Artist of the Year, Film Clip of the Year and Song of the Year for ‘We Up’. As her star continues to rise, BARKAA proves herself to be an influential force after being dubbed as the new matriarch of Australian rap by GQ, and listed in triple j’s top five female rappers in the country.

    The artist shares her excitement about the recognition, saying she’s, “So honoured to be nominated again this year for three NIMAS! It’s always such an honour to be recognised for your work especially when it’s from your people. Thankful to be nominated amongst my peers, my mob, my people. Blakfullas don’t just make Blak music, we make THE BEST MUSIC”

    One of Australia’s greatest exports, The Kid Laroi is nominated for Album of the Year for his 2023 album THE FIRST TIME, with popular single ‘BLEED’ up for Film Clip of the Year and Song of the Year. His 2020 debut mixtape, Fck Love*, reached the top of the ARIA Charts, making him the youngest Australian solo artist to achieve this, and it peaked on the US Billboard 200.

    Running up with two noms are Electric Fields, nominated for Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for ‘One Milkali (One Blood)’. Budjerah has two hats in the ring with a nomination for Artist of the Year and ‘Video Game’ up for Song of the Year. Also making waves with their nominations are Jessica Mauboy, recognized for Album of the Year with ‘Yours Forever’ and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band honoured with a nod for New Talent of the Year and Film Clip of the Year for ‘Yaa Dkamrrkuli’.

    First Nations’ super group 3%, consisting of Dallas Woods, Nooky and Angus Field, are in the running for Album of the Year along with their massive debut single featuring a sample from The Presets, ‘OUR PEOPLE,’ nominated for Song of the Year. Dan Sultan is a finalist for Album of the Year with his self-titled album, and Emily Wurramara’s ‘Magic Woman Dancing’ is among the finalists for Film Clip of the Year. Excitingly, each of these world class performers will also help to celebrate two decades of NIMA with a performance at Darwin Amphitheatre on the night.

    Highlighting the exceptional emerging artists making waves in the music scene, the New Talent of the Year nominees include Jada Weazel, whose soulful track “Send My Love” has captivated audiences; the Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, blending traditional sounds with contemporary flair in “Yaa Djamarrkuli“; South Summit, whose self-titled debut showcases their dynamic range; James Range Band, known for their distinctive self-titled release; and Becca Hatch, whose hit “Bass Keeps Calling” has quickly become a fan favourite.

    Celebrating grassroots creativity and storytelling through music videos, Community Clip of the Year highlights the vibrant talents within Indigenous communities, preserving and promoting cultural heritage through compelling narratives. This year’s nominees are Broome Youth and Families Hub, Bulman School & Community, Cabbo Crew & Desert Pea Media, Miihi Mirra-Dha & Desert Pea Media and The Hill & Desert Pea Media.

    As this year’s television partners, National Indigenous Television (NITV) and their expert First Nations broadcast team will be on-ground to help spread the celebration to the furthest corners of the nation. Capturing every moment of the premier First Nations music celebration from the moving acceptance speeches, exclusive performances from the likes of Jessica Mauboy, 3% and Emily Wurramara, to the once-off collaborative performance honouring the 20th anniversary. More details on when to tune in are to come.

    Tickets to the ceremony at Darwin Amphitheatre are available at darwinfestival.org.au.

    2024 NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS

    Artist of the Year

    Electric Fields

    3%

    King Stingray

    Budjerah

    BARKAA

    Emma Donovan

    New Talent of the Year

    Jada Weazel

    Andrew Gurruwiwi Band

    South Summit

    James Range Band

    Becca Hatch

    Film Clip of the Year

    Andrew Gurruwiwi Band – ‘Yaa Djamarrkuli’

    BARKAA – ‘We Up’

    Emily Wurramara – ‘Magic Woman Dancing’

    RONA. – ‘Aperleye’

    The Kid Laroi – ‘BLEED’

    Album of the Year

    The Kid Laroi – THE FIRST TIME

    Emma Donovan – Til my song is done

    Dan Sultan – Self-titled

    Jessica Mauboy – Yours Forever

    Troy Cassar-Daley – Between the Fires

    Song of the Year

    Christine Anu – ‘Waku – Minaral A Minalay’

    BARKAA – ‘We Up’

    Electric Fields – ‘One Milkali (One Blood)’

    The Kid Laroi – ‘BLEED’

    3% – ‘OUR PEOPLE’

    Budjerah – ‘Video Game’

    Community Clip of the Year

    Broome Youth and Families Hub – ‘BME YOUNGNZ’

    Cabbo Crew & Desert Pea Media – ‘Wanna Go Home’

    Miihi Mirri-Dha & Desert Pea Media – ‘Diamond In The Rough’

    Bulman School & Community – ‘Nidjarra’

    Bulman School & Community – ‘Malnganarra’

    The Hill & Desert Pea Media – ‘Butterfly’