The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) presented by YouTube, one of the country’s most prominent music awards, have announced that their 2025 ceremony will take place on August 9 at Garamilla/Darwin’s Darwin Amphitheatre. Nominations are open from today, calling out for the country’s most exciting and significant First Nations talent.
Crowds from across the country will once again congregate under the stars at this annual award ceremony and music festival, returning to Darwin Amphitheatre on August 9 and we invite you to come and celebrate in the tropical north
On the Awards, NIMAs 2025 Creative Producer LibbyCollins says: “The NIMAs are excited to be back for 2025 and continuing to celebrate First Nations achievement on the big stage, here on Larrakia Land. Alongside our new partner Youtube we look forward to seeing everyone in Garramilla (Darwin) in August!”
Over 20 years the NIMAs have blossomed as a platform championing Indigenous Australian music from all corners of the land – from honouring esteemed musical icons to launching the careers of new musicians. In 2025, the event continues to spotlight Indigenous musicians and artists through live performances, thought-provoking discussion and esteemed awards. With alumni performers spanning pioneers YothuYindi and Dr G. Yunupingu (Gurrumul), to Jessica Mauboy, Dan Sultan and modern groundbreakers like 3%, MissKannina and more, the NIMAs remain an important calendar event for audiences and artists alike, from all ages and all cultures, gathering to experience and honour the best in Indigenous music.
Further, the event proudly unveils a new partnership with YouTube. As part of this partnership, MusicNT, with YouTube, will work on new initiatives to celebrate and honour Indigenous music past and present, while also propelling the NIMAs into a global future.
For the first time, the NIMAs will be shared and showcase Indigenous music to international audiences through a global livestream on YouTube.
EdMiles, Head of YouTube Australia and New Zealand, said: “It’s a truly special year for both YouTube and the NIMAs as we each celebrate two decades of impact. For 20 years, YouTube has been a launchpad for artists worldwide, and the NIMAs have been championing Indigenous music in Australia. This partnership underscores our common vision: to empower artists and ensure their stories and sounds resonate with audiences everywhere, and we can’t wait to spotlight incredible First Nations talent and share these spectacular awards with the world.”
To nominate your favourite artist, music release and more from the past year, head to nima-nominations.au. Nominations will close on June16.
Stay tuned for more NIMAs announcements to come, including another performance lineup that’s not to be missed.