PERFORMANCES FROM:
TROY CASSAR-DALEY
JESSICA MAUBOY
VELVET TRIP
EMMA DONOVAN
BARKAA
KANKAWA NAGARRA
KOBIE DEE
ELEANOR JAWURLNGALI & MICK TURNER (DIRTY THREE)
AND MORE
Today, the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) presented by YouTube, announces the award finalists and live performance lineup for its 2025 ceremony, with the iconic celebration returning to the Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday9 August.
With six major categories spotlighting the richness of Blak sound and storytelling, this year’s NIMAs reflect a powerful and evolving moment in First Nations artistry. Leading the nominations are ARIA-winning hip hop collective 3%, recognised for their urgent protest album KILL THE DEAD, acclaimed songwriter Emily Wurramara, whose record NARA has been praised for its emotional depth and storytelling, and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, whose joyful debut Sing Your Own Song has quickly become a festival favourite – each receiving an astounding four nominations. Close behind with three nominations apiece are Yolŋu surf-rock heroes King Stingray and hip hop powerhouse BARKAA, whose fierce EP BIG TIDDA has cemented her as one of hip-hop’s most vital voices. Also among the nominees are chart-topping superstar Jessica Mauboy, genre-defying storyteller RadicalSon, and stirring roots vocalist Emma Donovan, all up for Artist of the Year presented by YouTube.
Among this year’s Best New Talent nominees are five boundary-pushing acts shaping the future of First Nations music. Maningrida’s Ripple Effect Band stand out with their fierce saltwater rock sound and unwavering commitment to amplifying their community’s voices through music sung in Ndjébbana, Burarra, Na-kara and Kune. They’re joined by genre-defying Naarm-based rapper Miss Kaninna, who has made waves with her unapologetic debut EP KANINNA, and the electrifying Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, known for their infectious live energy and contemporary take on traditional storytelling. Rounding out the category are rising storytellers Tjaka and Drifting Clouds, each weaving identity and innovative production into their emerging discographies.
The Community Clip of the Year category shines a light on the power of music as a tool for pride and collective voice. This year’s nominees include KalkaringiSchool with “Gurindji Dream Big (Kuni-jungkarni)”, a powerful statement from the next generation of leaders, Mapoon Community’s“Breathe In Breathe Out”, an emotive meditation on healing and intergenerational strength, and WarmunCommunity’s“Turkey Creek”, capturing the unique stories and spirit of Gija Country. Each of these clips embodies the creative strength of community-led storytelling.
This year’s live performers include a powerful mix of legends and rising stars, including beloved storyteller and country icon Troy Cassar-Daley, pop icon Jessica Mauboy, powerhouse vocalist and soul leader Emma Donovan and psych-rock innovators Velvet Trip. Joining them is Malyangapa, Barkindji rapper and the NIMAs 2024 Artist of The Year BARKAA, Gomeroi rapper and storyteller Kobie Dee, gospel and blues vocalist Kankawa Nagarra, plus Eleanor Jawurlngali and Mick Turner (Dirty Three), who will be premiering the debut single from their upcoming album with the Dirty Three.
Troy Cassar-Daley says on his involvement in this year’s ceremony: “My connection to Larrakia Country has been a long one, first visiting over there at 21 I fell in love with the country and its people. I can’t wait to celebrate our mob’s achievements in Garramilla. I have my guitar at the ready and songs to sing as we celebrate 21 years of the NIMAs together.”
The 2025 NIMAs ceremony will be shared and showcase Indigenous music to international audiences through a global livestream on YouTube.
Marion Goodman-Briand, Music Content Partnerships, YouTube Australia & New Zealand, says on this year’s ceremony: “We are incredibly proud to step in as presenting partner for the NIMAs this year. The NIMAs stand as a powerful platform, showcasing the extraordinary talent and rich narratives embedded within First Nations music, and our commitment is to amplify these voices to a global audience. We extend our warmest congratulations to all the nominees who continue to push boundaries and share vital stories, including 3%, Emily Wurramara, and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band. We’re also looking forward to the electrifying performances from artists like the legendary Troy Cassar-Daley, the iconic Jessica Mauboy, and groundbreaking acts such as BARKAA. We’ll be livestreaming and promoting the 2025 NIMAs ceremony worldwide on YouTube, ensuring its reach extends far beyond Larrakia Country, sharing this pivotal cultural event with the world and celebrating the profound impact of First Nations music.”
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 Yothu Yindi and Dr G. Yunupingu (Gurrumul), to Jessica Mauboy, Dan Sultan and modern groundbreakers like 3%, Miss Kaninna and more, the NIMAs remain an important calendar event for fans and artists alike, from all ages and all cultures, gathering to experience and honour the best in Indigenous music.