The 20th annual National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) held on Larrakia Country recently showcased a vibrant tapestry of talent, honoring the best in Indigenous music across Australia. Among the standout winners was Barkaa, the Malyangapa Barkindji rapper, who claimed the coveted Artist of the Year title. Known offstage as Chloe Quayle, Barkaa’s triumph underscored her rising influence in the music scene, further solidified by her win for Film Clip of the Year with “We Up”. Celebrating Excellence in Indigenous Music: Highlights from the 20th National Indigenous Music Awards
Arrente/Gurindji musician Dan Sultan’s eponymous album clinched Album of the Year, resonating deeply with audiences for its poignant narratives on race and family. His soulful sound, endorsed by iconic artist Paul Kelly, reaffirmed Sultan’s stature as a powerhouse in Australian music.
The Song of the Year honor went to 3%, a rap trio whose socially charged track “Our People” critiques issues like Closing the Gap and Indigenous incarceration. Their dynamic blend of music sampled from The Presets’ “My People” delivered a compelling message that resonated far beyond their performances.
New Talent of the Year was awarded to Becca Hatch, a Kamilaroi/Samoan pop artist whose promising career trajectory shone brightly amid fierce competition. Her win highlighted a new generation’s emergence in Indigenous music, promising fresh perspectives and sounds for the future.
The NIMA’s also celebrated linguistic diversity with the Indigenous Language Award jointly bestowed upon Electric Fields for “Anpuru Maru Kutjpa” and Rrawun Maymuru for “Yolngu”. These awards underscored the pivotal role music plays in preserving and promoting Indigenous languages, ensuring cultural continuity through artistic expression.
In a tribute to lifelong contributions, Sammy Butcher, lead singer of the Warumpi Band, was inducted into the NIMA Hall of Fame. An Elder in the Papunya community, Butcher’s legacy as a musician and mentor continues to inspire younger generations across Central Australia, embodying the spirit of cultural stewardship.
Reflecting the community’s resilience and storytelling prowess, the Community Clip of the Year was awarded to Bulman School & Community for “Nidjarra”. Sung in the Dalabon language and guided by local Elder Dudley Lawrence, this poignant clip exemplified the strength of Indigenous narratives and the enduring power of music to connect communities.
As the 20th NIMA’s drew to a close, it not only celebrated past and present icons like Yothu Yindi and Jessica Mauboy but also signaled a vibrant future for Indigenous music in Australia. With each award, the ceremony reinforced the richness of Indigenous culture and the profound impact of music as a vehicle for expression, unity, and advocacy.
In its milestone year, the NIMA’s once again underscored the importance of honoring and amplifying Indigenous voices in the Australian music landscape, setting a poignant stage for the years to come.
The National Indigenous Cultural Centre (NICC) is an Indigenous home.
We provide Indigenous products, music, art and news.
If you want Indigenous gifts and merchandise, bush tucker food at your next event or Indigenous entertainment at your next party, expo or conference, feel free to contact us!
Visit our page: https://nicc.org.au/
Tony Clemenger.
Chief Executive Officer.
Tel: 0419431649.
Level 1 397 Chapel Street South Yarra 3141.
