National Indigenous Music Awards

The National Indigenous Music Awards will be streamed across multiple formats from Larrakia Country this year with presentations and performances airing 7pm [AEST] August 8. Hosted by Black Comedy‘s Elaine Crombie and Steven Oliver, the NIMA’s welcome a 100% First Nations camera crew and a majority First Nations production crew, moving towards a path of First Nation self-determination.

Iwaidja, Malak Malak and Badu Island man Ben Graetz will also be the NIMA’s first Creative Director. Previously serving as Artistic Director of the Darwin Pride Festival, Darwin Entertainment Centre, Garrmalang Festival and Arafua Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Graetz’ also won 2019 Artist of the Year at the LGBTI Australia Awards for his alter ego Miss Ellaneous.

In a press release Graetz says, “What makes this year so exciting, is that we are able to involve and showcase many more of our First Nation artists and musicians through the virtual platform. Also to be able to connect regionally and remotely is extremely exciting.”

There are seven categories acknowledging twenty-four First Nations artists who share their voice and stories from grassroots to chart-toppers and ARIA nominees.

Miiesha and Baker Boy each have 3 nominations. Uncle Archie Roach and Jessica Mauboy are both contenders for Album of the Year and Bad Apples Music has 3 nominations with Alice Skye and Briggs both vying for Song of the Year and Briggs’ ‘House Fyre’ featuring Tim Minchin also up for Video of the Year.

Such a plethora of talent, styles and storytelling and we can’t wait to watch!

You can stream the 2020 NIMAs playlist featuring all the finalists on Spotify.

The National Indigenous Music Awards airs at 7pm AEST on 8th August 2020 across NITV, Double J, National Indigenous Radio Service, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.