2025 National Indigenous Music Awards Nominees

The nominees are in for the 2025 National Indigenous Music Awards, which will be staged at Darwin Amphitheatre next month.

Alongside the finalists reveal is the live entertainment for the Awards' ceremony that will feature performances from Troy Cassar-Daley, Jessica Mauboy, and Emma Donovan plus much more.

Leading the way with four nominations apiece, are ARIA Award-winning hip hop collective 3%, acclaimed songwriter Emily Wurramara, and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band.

With three nominations each are Yolŋu surf-rock heroes King Stingray and hip hop powerhouse BARKAA. Also among Artist Of The Year nominees are Mauboy and Donovan as well as genre-defying storyteller Radical Son.

In 2025, the National Indigenous Music Awards continue to spotlight Indigenous musicians and artists through live performances, thought-provoking discussion and esteemed awards.



Alumni performers span from pioneers Yothu Yindi and Dr G. Yunupingu (Gurrumul), to 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.

"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," Troy Cassar-Daley says about his involvement in this year's ceremony.

"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 share and showcase Indigenous music to international audiences through a global livestream on YouTube. "We are incredibly proud to step in as presenting partner for the NIMAs this year," Marion Goodman-Briand, Music Content Partnerships, YouTube Australia & New Zealand says.

"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 live-streaming 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."

Tickets are available.

The 2025 National Indigenous Music Awards take place at Darwin Amphitheatre (Garramilla) 9 August.

National Indigenous Music Awards 2025 Nominees

Artist Of The Year

3%
Emily Wurramara
Jessica Mauboy
King Stingray
Emma Donovan
Radical Son
Birdz and Fred Leone

Best New Talent

Andrew Gurruwiwi Band
Drifting Clouds
Miss Kaninna
Ripple Effect Band
Tjaka

Album Of The Year

3% - 'Kill The Dead'
Andrew Gurruwiwi Band - 'Sing Your Own Song'
BARKAA - 'Big Tidda'
Emily Wurramara - 'Nara'
King Stingray - 'For The Dreams'

Film Clip Of The Year

3% - 'Won't Stop feat. Jessica Mauboy'
Andrew Gurruwiwi Band - 'Wata Mäwi'
BARKAA - 'Ngamaka feat. Leroy Johnson'
Emily Wurramara - 'Lordy Lordy'
King Stingray - 'Day Off'
Radical Son - 'Bilambiyal'

Community Clip Of The Year

Bulman School & Community - 'Crocodile Style'
Bulman School & Community - 'My Story Of Songline Mata'
Bulman School & Community - 'Strong Bala Wei'
Kalkaringi School - 'Gurindji Dream Big (Kuni-jungkarni)'
Mapoon Community - 'Mapoon - Breathe In Breathe Out'
Warmun Community - 'Turkey Creek'

Song Of The Year

3% - 'Won't Stop feat. Jessica Mauboy'
Andrew Gurruwiwi Band - 'Once Upon A Time'
BARKAA - 'Ngmaka feat. Leroy Johnson'
Emily Wurramara - 'STFAFM'
Jem Cassar-Daley - 'Kiss Me Like You're Leaving'
The Kid LAROI - 'Girls'

Live Performers

Troy Cassar-Daley
Jessica Mauboy
Velvet Trip
Emma Donovan
Barkaa
Kankawa Nagarra
Kobie Dee
Eleanor Jawurlngali & Mick Turner (Dirty Three)