Top Territory musicians named among NIMA finalists

Australia’s finest Indigenous musicians will be recognised at this year’s National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs), with a number of exciting Territory artists being put under the spotlight.

NIMAs Creative Director, Ben Graetz said the awards held annually in Darwin recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians. This year, 22 Indigenous artists and bands have been named finalists across six categories.

“It’s been an incredible year for blak excellence in music and we’re excited to celebrate our artists at the live event on beautiful Larrakia Country,” Mr Graetz said.

“It’s fantastic to have the support of NITV with the broadcast to extend our reach to the rest of the nation.”

Arnhem Land’s Wildfire Manwurrk are up for New Talent of the Year, Film Clip of the Year and Community Clip of the Year, binging together thrashing guitars, traditional songlines from ancient times, and the stories they face in a world of culture, chaos and change.

They are joined as finalists by fellow Northern Territory talents Jessica Mauboy, King Stingray, Yirrmal, Utju Community, Ngulmiya, Lil Yougins, Marlon & Rulla, Garrthalala Community, and Indigenous Outreach Projects with Gunyangara, Yirrkala & Dhalinbuy, NT ft. Yirrmal.

ARIA-winning singer songwriter Budjerah will perform at the NIMAs, and is up for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year while Thelma Plum and Barkaa will also be performing.

The NIMAs, which are supported by Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company, take place at Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday, 12 August as part of the Darwin Festival program. To purchase tickets head to www.darwinfestival.org.au