King Stingray continue to ride a massive wave of momentum, adding two wins at the 2023 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs).
Staged on Saturday evening (12 August) at Darwin Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country, the Yolngu stars scooped up Song Of The Year and Film Clip Of The Year for their track 'Let's Go' from their 2022 debut self-titled album.Co-hosted by Fred Leone (who performed his new single 'Yirimi Gundir' live) and singer, actress, and comedian Elaine Crombie, the event was filled with love and lots of laughs alongside live performances from Thelma Plum, Budjerah and others.
Budjerah confirmed his status as an emerging star by collecting Artist Of The Year honours, while Thelma Plum further cemented her reputation by winning Album Of The Year for her EP 'Meanjin' (a love letter to her home town).
"Thank you so much the NIMAs for making me Artist Of The Year! And thanks so much to all my fans for all you're love and support," shared Budjerah.
The next crop of rising talent was honoured with last year's triple j Unearthed NIMA competition winner Bumpy scoring the New Talent Of The Year award. While Arnhem Land punk-metal rockers Wildfire Manwurrk won Community Clip Of The Year as well as the Archie Roach Foundation Award.
"So honoured to have received this award last night at the NIMAs," shared Bumpy on her socials. "What an incredible night filled with the power of First Nations music! Nothing else like it. To be amongst all this Blak excellence was so special. Pinching myself! Thank you for all your support and love."
The enchanting traditional songman Ngulmiya picked up the Indigenous Language Award for his self-titled debut album. The Hall Of Fame spot was awarded to Yothu Yindi for their long and powerful contributions to Indigenous and Australian music across several decades.
In an absolute highlight of the evening, the band's original line-up along with Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu, nephew of Dr M Yunupiŋu and King Stingray vocalist, took to the stage for a surprise performance of their powerful hit 'Treaty'.
NIMA Creative Director Ben Graetz praised the incredible slew of talented First Nations artists that contributed to this year’s ceremony. "So proud of all the artists, performers, nominees and winners at this year’s NIMAs. It was an exceptional night of Blak excellence."
The 2023 NIMAs will be re-broadcast on SBS Viceland 18 August (11.05pm) and on SBS 19 August (9am).
2023 National Indigenous Music Awards Winners
Artist Of The Year
Budjerah
New Talent Of The Year
Bumpy
Film Clip Of The Year
King Stingray - 'Let's Go'
Song Of The Year
King Stingray - 'Let's Go'
Album Of The Year
Thelma Plum - 'Meanjin' (EP)
Community Clip Of The Year
Wildfire Manwurrk - 'Mararradj'
Indigenous Language Award
Ngulmiya, 'Self-Titled'
Hall of Fame
Yothu Yindi
Archie Roach Foundation Award
Wildfire Manwurrk
