First Nation talent dominate 2019 Australian Women In Music Awards finalists [full list]
First Nations talent Ngaiire, Mojo Juju, Christine Anu, Thelma Plum, Alice Skye and percussionist and producer Claire Edwardes dominate the finalists of the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs).
At the same time, up for the Humanitarian award are Lindy Morrison, OAM, Dami Im and Alison Hams.
Morrison who says she’s fallen on hard times herself, has helped clothe, feed and house others, especially musicians through her work at Support Act Ltd.
Im works as an ambassador with Compassion Australia to raise funds for children in poverty in various countries, and sponsors eight children.
Hams, a country music singer-songwriter in regional SA, is involved in a wide range of charities, including ensuring young people from remote and First Nation backgrounds get music opportunities through her co-owned Stormfront Productions.
A wider range of female talent will be on display at the AWMA ceremony, concert and party with appearances and performances from Renee Geyer, Katie Noonan, Clare Bowditch, Melinda Schneider, Ngaiire, hip hop act Kaylah Truth, operatic soprano Cheryl Barker and concert pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska.
The awards are on Wednesday, October 9 in Brisbane.
This year’s AWMAs add three new categories, for excellence in classical music, music journalism and image-making.
Queensland premier and minister for trade, Annastacia Palaszczuk said, “Queensland is pleased to host the AWMAs for the second consecutive year, profiling our state’s commitment to gender equality and providing opportunities for women.”
“The AWMAs are a fantastic addition to Queensland’s vibrant arts scene,” added Di Farmer, minister for child safety, youth and women and minister for the prevention of domestic and family violence.
“They are another great opportunity to showcase the tremendous creativity and depth of talent of our many female artists and I hope it’s a springboard to further and well-deserved success.”
AWMA founding director and executive producer, Vicki Gordon made the point: “As well as the opportunity to celebrate tremendous talent, AWMA provides a platform for artists and music practitioners including those in regional and remote areas, to come together, to learn and empower one another.
“We received almost double the nominations this year, from every state and across all areas of diversity, reflecting the urgent need for change in the Australian music industry.”
Fifteen AWMAs will be up for grabs following the public nomination process and judging by a group of industry professionals and practitioners.
A special award will be presented to this year’s inductee for the AWMA Honour Roll 2019.
ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
Christine Anu
Nai Palm
NGAIIRE
CREATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Claire Edwardes
Elaine Chia
Katie Noonan
DIVERSITY IN MUSIC AWARD
Christine Anu
Lisa Cheney & Peggy Polias (Making Waves)
NGAIIRE
EMERGING ARTIST AWARD
Alice Skye
Ella Fence
Lisa Caruso
EXCELLENCE IN CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARD
Caroline Almonte
Claire Edwardes
Sarah-Grace Williams
EXCELLENCE IN IMAGE MAKING AWARD
Chloe Jean
Melaine Knight
Ntombi Moyo
FILMMAKER AWARD
Aimée-Lee Xu Hsien Curran
Tashi Hall
HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Alison Hams
Dami Im
Lindy Morrison, OAM
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Joy McKean, OAM
Marcia Hines, AM
Vika and Linda Bull
LIVE PRODUCTION AWARD
Jenny Moon
Kait Hall
Laurie May
MUSIC JOURNALIST AWARD
Ange McCormack
Jane Gazzo
Jules LeFevre
MUSIC LEADERSHIP AWARD
Elise Reitze-Swensen (producer and educator)
Lynette Irwin (jazzlabel and music eventsoperator)
Sue Telfer (late Sydney venue booker)
MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHER AWARD
Jessica Vaini
Kerrie Geier
Tashi Hall
SONGWRITER AWARD
Mojo Juju
NGAIIRE
Thelma Plum
STUDIO PRODUCTION AWARD
Elise Reitze-Swensen (Feels)
Kathy Naunton
Virginia Read