What Is 2019 National Indigenous Music Awards

Overview

The 2019 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) celebrated the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across multiple genres, from hip-hop to traditional song. Held on August 10, 2019, at the Darwin Amphitheatre in the Northern Territory, the event highlighted the vibrant and evolving landscape of Indigenous music in Australia.

Now in its 16th year, the NIMAs continue to elevate voices that have historically been underrepresented in mainstream music. The 2019 ceremony featured live performances, cultural storytelling, and recognition of both emerging and established talent, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone event in Australia's music calendar.

• Baker Boy made history by winning both Artist of the Year and New Talent of the Year, becoming a breakout star with his fusion of Yolngu language and modern dance music.
• Thelma Plum won the Community Clip of the Year award for her song 'Better Days', a poignant reflection on mental health and resilience in Indigenous communities.
• The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Archie Roach, honoring his decades-long contribution to music and social justice through powerful storytelling.
• A.B. Original received a nomination for Album of the Year for 'Reclaim Australia', their politically charged second studio release that challenged colonial narratives.
• The event was broadcast nationally by ABC Music and Triple J, ensuring wide accessibility and amplifying Indigenous voices across the country.

How It Works

The NIMAs operate through a combination of public voting and a judging panel composed of music industry professionals and community representatives. This dual approach ensures both popular and artistic merit are considered in selecting winners.

• Nomination Process: Artists are nominated based on their work released during the eligibility period, typically the 12 months leading up to the awards. Submissions are reviewed by a committee.
• Public Voting: Categories like New Talent of the Year include a public voting component, allowing fans to directly influence the outcome through online ballots.
• Judging Panel: Industry experts, including producers, broadcasters, and cultural leaders, evaluate entries for artistic quality, cultural significance, and technical excellence.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only artists of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent are eligible, ensuring the awards remain focused on Indigenous representation and empowerment.
• Performance Selection: Finalists and past winners are invited to perform live, often blending traditional instruments like the didgeridoo with contemporary arrangements.
• Broadcast Partners: ABC and NITV collaborate to stream the event, increasing visibility and ensuring cultural protocols are respected during production.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares major award categories and winners from the 2019 NIMAs with those from 2018 and 2020 to illustrate trends and standout achievements.

The comparison shows a shift toward younger, genre-blending artists like Baker Boy and Thelma Plum, who dominate across multiple years. Meanwhile, the consistent recognition of politically and culturally resonant work underscores the NIMAs' commitment to authenticity and community impact.

Why It Matters

The National Indigenous Music Awards play a vital role in shaping Australia’s cultural narrative by centering Indigenous voices in national conversations about music and identity. These awards not only celebrate artistic excellence but also serve as a platform for truth-telling and cultural preservation.

• The NIMAs validate Indigenous languages in music, as seen in Baker Boy’s use of Yolngu Matha, promoting linguistic diversity and pride.
• Winning or being nominated often leads to increased airplay and touring opportunities, boosting artists’ national and international profiles.
• The event fosters intergenerational connection, with elders and youth sharing the stage, such as when Archie Roach received a lifetime honor.
• It challenges mainstream music industry norms by prioritizing cultural significance alongside commercial success.
• Schools and community groups use NIMA performances as educational tools to teach about Indigenous history and contemporary issues.
• By broadcasting the ceremony nationally, the NIMAs ensure that remote communities see their cultures represented on a large scale.

As a result, the 2019 NIMAs were not just a celebration of talent but a powerful affirmation of resilience, identity, and the enduring strength of First Nations cultures in Australia.