This year’s National Indigenous Music Awards celebrated a milestone 20 years, marking their grandest celebration yet of First Nations music.
Taking place at the Darwin Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country, the National Indigenous Music Awards brought together a huge line-up of performances, and honoured a group of talented winners.
Waanyi/Gangaliida rapper, Jamahl Yami kicked things off in the realm of performances, as the winner of the 2024 triple j Unearthed NIMA competition. His bold, powerful performance warmed things up for the night.
What followed in the ceremony was a highlight reel of top-notch performances from the likes of Jessica Mauboy, Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) and Dr. Shellie Morris AO, Dan Sultan, 3%, Miss Kaninna, Birdz and Fred Leone, Eleanor Jawurlngali, and Emily Wurramara.
“What an incredible night at NIMAs celebrating the 20th anniversary! It 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,” NIMA Creative Director Ben Graetz says. “A big highlight for me was the special NIMA medley and Jessica Mauboy, who also celebrates her 20 years in the music industry.”
The night’s big winner was BARKAA, taking home Artist Of The Year and Film Clip Of The Year for ‘We Up’.
3% made a major impact, winning Song Of The Year for ‘Our People’. . . And Dan Sultan’s self-titled album was awarded Album Of The Year.
Becca Hatch was recognised as New Talent Of The Year, and in a special moment, the beloved Sammy Butcher was honoured as this year’s inductee into the NIMA Hall Of Fame. His long-standing influence on Indigenous and Australian music was celebrated, in this heartfelt tribute.
The 2024 National Indigenous Music Awards can be re-watched for free 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
