National Indigenous Music Awards to hit Australian Airwaves

The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) will return in a new format next month, following the postponement of the live Darwin event in August due to COVID-19 concerns and border restrictions.

In an exciting collaboration between the iconic awards and triple j, the NIMAs will be showcased on the national broadcaster’s First Nations show, Blak Out, as part of a two-hour special on Sunday, 14 November.

NIMAs Creative Director Ben Graetz said he was looking forward to the awards’ new format next month.

“It’s unfortunate that the live event is unable to go ahead this year at the Darwin amphitheatre but I am extremely excited to be working with Nooky and all the team at triple j, celebrating musical Blak Excellence through the radio,” he said.

The special broadcast will be hosted by triple j presenter and proud Yuin man Nooky and will celebrate one of the biggest years in First Nations music, with exclusive performances, exciting stories, live crosses to communities around Australia and a whole lot of awards to be presented.

This year’s nominees are led by the Territory’s own Baker Boy who is about to drop his debut album ‘Gela’, The Kid LAROI of Sydney, who has just clocked up seven weeks at #1 in the US, and 2020 J Award nominee Sycco, each with three nominations.

Up for awards are two-time finalists Birdz, Miiesha and Tia Gostelow, plus first-time NIMA nominees Budjerah, J-MILLA, King Stingray, JK-47 and Chasing Ghosts. For the full list of nominations, visit www.nima.musicnt.com.au/news/2021-nominations-announced/.

Listeners are encouraged to tune into triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed and the National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS) from 5pm-7pm ACST on Sunday, 14 November.

The event is supported by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company.

Picture: Storm Cell