NIMA Winners

On Saturday 8th August, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, the National Indigenous Music Awards celebrated the best of the best in their first worldwide virtual event.

Please be advised [viewers, listeners & readers] that the following article contains images and voices of people who have passed away.

Ruby Hunter inducted into the National Indigenous Music Awards Hall of Fame.

Guitarist, Singer, Author, Actor and Songwriter Ruby Hunter a Ngarrindjeri/ Kukatha/ Pitjantjatjara woman, partner of Archie Roach and a voice of the Stolen Generation.

Winner of the Archie Roach Foundation Award: Kee’ahn

Proud Gugu Yalanji, Jirrbal and Badu Island woman living in Kulin Nations [Melbourne]. Living up to the meaning of her name – Kee’ahn – to dance, to sing and to play.

Album of the Year: Archie Roach ‘Tell Me Why’

The companion album to Archie Roach’s poignant memoir ‘Tell me Why’ re-imagines 11 songs that have defined his extraordinary career, together with two songs that were penned but never recorded, two songs of early-influence, and three brand new recordings. Congratulations and thank you Archie Roach.

New Talent of the Year: Miiesha

Miiesha – a 21 year old proud Pitjantjatjara/Torres Strait Islander woman inspired by RnB, Gospel, Soul and spoken word. Her voice is like butter, congratulations Miiesha.

Community Clip of the Year: KDA Crew ‘Djabuganydji Bama’

From the Djabuganydji people of Kuranda, North Queensland – stemming from a project with Desert Pea Media. KDA Crew are Ciolla Riley, Max Alpin, Winston Alpin, Dahskeikky Brim, Rosetta Bulow, Charlie Collins, Drayden Lawson, Nolan Lawson, Chloe Richards, Shakactey Riley, Shyriah Williams, Shemaiah Kendrick, Haily Dorante, Amanda Crosbie, Sheree Donahue, Porta James, Santiago Graham, Caesar Hunter, Delta Wason, Toby Finlayson and Coedie McCarthy.

Indigenous Language Award: Rrawun Maymuru w/ Nick Wales

Nyapillilngu [Spirit Lady] on Spotify

Nyapillilngu [Spirit Lady] on Apple Music’s International Playlist – Worldwide Chill

Nyapillilngu [Spirit Lady] on SoundCloud

Triple Award Winner for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year: Baker Boy

Yolngu man, Danzal Baker aka Baker Boy, took home three awards and looks set to be a force in the Australian music scene for years to come!!

Congratulations to the winners and the National Indigenous Music Awards for showcasing and celebrating the amazing scope of talent and voices of meaning that Australia needs to hear.