National Indigenous Music Awards open applications, plans to expand audience, profile, in its 15th year

Applications have opened for the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs), to be staged on August 11 in Darwin.

All Australians across the country are urged to nominate their favourite Indigenous artists and releases, with self-nomination also encouraged.

Mark Smith, executive director of organiser Music NT, told TMN that the awards have played a major role in the current high profile of Australia’s First Nation music acts.

“The NIMA’s have focussed on shining a light on the music of the world’s oldest living culture,” he said.

“Over the 15 years there has been some amazing music and musicians that have performed, received awards and been a part of the event.  

“There is a strength in the current Indigenous music scene and the NIMA’s continues to strive to bring national attention to this amazing music.”

Baker Boy took out two places in this year’s Hottest 100 and yesterday announced extra shows for Brisbane (Black Bear Lodge) and Melbourne (Northcote Social Club) of his debut headlining tour in May after the first shows sold out in a week.

He now does six dates May 13 to June 9, with promoters reporting  that “Perth and Sydney are selling quicker than Lewis Jetta on grand final day!”

Dr G. Yunupingu’s posthumous final album Djarimirri (Child of The Rainbow) is released on April 13.

Gurrumul, Paul Williams’ documentary on his life received standing ovations at film festivals from Berlin to Melbourne, and will hit cinemas nationally on April 25.

A.B. Original scooped the pool at numerous awards across Australia, and joined 50 Cent on his tour last month alongside Baker Boy.

Jessica Mauboy had a second season with her prime time TV series and is gearing up for international exposure at Eurovision.

The Lonely Boys received international media coverage when they supported Queens of the Stoneage and in the wake of their EP release last year, also have remixes included on their record label Skinnyfish’s Sound System project.

Electric Fields music was heard everywhere this month from the Adelaide Fringe to the Sydney Mardi Gras’ First Nation float.

They head for their first New Zealand shows later this month, and play WOMAD UK in July.

"Last year’s NIMAs kicked me off in the right direction and this year I'm pumped to nominate for an award,” said Baker Boy. “A NIMA would be sick!"

Last year’s NIMAs set a new attendance record with over 4000 people making the trek to Darwin Amphitheatre.

From a moving tribute to Dr G. Yunupingu through to a politically charged tour de force from A.B. Original, Paul Kelly and Dan Sultan and a national platform for newcomers Baker Boy, Electric Fields. Emily Wurramara and Apakatjah as well as 2016’s new talent winner Gawurra.

Judging of the NIMAs will be split this year, with 50% of votes coming from a panel of prominent Indigenous Australians and community leaders and 50% from a panel of Indigenous and non-Indigenous media and music industry representatives.

Music NT’s Mark Smith told TMN, “This year celebrates the 15th year of the awards and we are working on marking that occasion.

“The award categories will remain unchanged but we are working to celebrate 15 years of the event recognising the achievement and talent of Indigenous musicians from across Australia.”

The NIMAs come with a 2-CD The Sound of Indigenous Australia compilation on Warner Music with broadcasts on triple j, CAAMA and community radio.

Smith revealed there will be a greater national profile for the awards

“We are working on some new developments that will allow more people to experience the event, and announcements on this will be coming soon,” he said.

Meantime, NIMAs Reference Group chair Warren H. Williams predicts the 2018 event will surpass that of last year’s.

“The NIMAs are not just about winning a trophy, they are about recognition and promotion of artists in their own communities and to the wider Australian community,” he said.

“Last year was arguably the biggest ever for Australian Indigenous music.

“This year already looks like surpassing it, so we want to make sure that Australia knows and recognises these amazing artists and the things they are achieving for Australian music.”