The Fresh Prince of Arnhem Land and Young Australian of the Year, Baker Boy took out the major award at the 16th National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) at Gardens Amphitheatre on Saturday night.
The NIMAs are Australia’s premier First Nations music event, honouring the best in Indigenous music from around the country and are supported by the Territory Labor Government with an investment of $200,000 for this year’s event.
Baker Boy went home with Artist Of The Year following his success as Young Australian Of The Year with hit singles Mr La Di Da Di, Cool As Hell and In Control.
Mojo Juju won both Song Of The Year and Album Of The Year for her album Native Tongue and its title-track.
Other winners of the night included:
· New Talent Of The Year: Kaiit
· Film Clip Of The Year: Briggs - Life Is Incredible
· Community Clip Of The Year: Deni Mob – State of the Heart
Musical icons Tiddas and Cairns jazz vocalist, Wilma Reading were inducted into the NIMA Hall Of Fame.
The night featured performances from Archie Roach, Jessica Mauboy, Dan Sultan, Electric Fields, Tasman Keith, Spinifex Gum, Deborah Cheetham, Darwin Larrakia/Belyuen Dancers, Eric Avery, Wilma Reading and Dallas Woods.
Mambali took out the inaugural Archie Roach Foundation Award which provides $2,000 and mentoring from industry professionals to an emerging Territory artist.
This year Indigenous music had strong airplay with ARIA charting albums, commercial radio breakthroughs, national tours, Hottest 100 placements and acts playing festivals across the country.
For more information visit https://nima.musicnt.com.au/
Quotes from Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss:
“The NIMAs continue to grow each year and create a wider national imprint on the musical landscape showcasing the creativity and talent of Australia’s Indigenous artists.
“The calibre of the Awards and its performing artists are outstanding and offer up a truly unique experience for audiences who can see their favourite First Nations artists on the one stage.
“The Territory Labor Government is once again pleased to support live music in the Territory through its continued investment into arts and culture demonstrating the capacity of the NT to deliver important national music industry events like the NIMAs.”
Quotes from Executive Director, MusicNT, Mark Smith:
“This years’ NIMAs brought together arguably the strongest Indigenous music line-ups ever assembled.
“MusicNT is proud to recognise the talent and achievement of Indigenous musicians from across the country and celebrate this wave of incredible talent.”