The National Indigenous Music Awards, sponsored by Amazon Music, marked their 20th anniversary with a grand First Nations concert and awards ceremony that had everyone up on their feet.
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.
Jessica Mauboy, hit the stage with her powerhouse vocals, while the collaborative performance from Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) and the legendary Dr. Shellie Morris AO carried the audience up.
Dan Sultan, 3%, Miss Kaninna, Birdz and Fred Leone, Eleanor Jawurlngali and Emily Wurramara gave banging renditions of some of their favourite tracks, and at the end of 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.
The event was hosted by triple j stalwarts Karla Ranby and Nooky , speaking to camera and keeping the NITV audience in the loop. 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’s 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 was the special NIMA medley and Jessica Mauboy”
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.
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.
Becca Hatch 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.
There was a shared win for the Indigenous Language Award, going to Rrawun Maymuru for Yolngu, and Electric Fields for Anpuru Maau Kutjpa, both artists 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 a heartfelt tribute, recognising his remarkable legacy.
A brilliant night and a great opportunity to connect with First Nations music. Streaming on SBS On Demand.
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
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