Baker Boy and Miiesha lead 2020 National Indigenous Music Awards nominations

With a hattrick of nominations each, Baker Boy and Miiesha are at the front of the grid for the next month’s National Indigenous Music Awards.

Baker Boy is up for Artist Of The Year, and his track ‘Meditjin’ featuring Jess B is a chance for Song and Film Clip Of The Year.

NIMA recognition continues a smoking-hot two-year streak for the Milingimbi rapper, during which time he was named Young Australian of the Year and his song ‘Marryuna’ came in at No. 17 on Triple J’s Hottest 100 in January 2018, the-then second highest ever position by an Indigenous artist in the poll’s history.

Just last week, ‘Marryuna’ landed at No. 5 in the Territory Sounds Countdown Top 40.

Check out ‘Meditjin (feat. Jess B)’ by Baker Boy:

Miiesha has enjoyed a breakout year with a slot on Laneway 2020 and the rescheduled Splendour In the Grass festivals, and her critically acclaimed LP Nyaaringu earned “Feature Album” status on triple j.

Now based in Melbourne, Miiesha is from the small Aboriginal community of Woorabinda in Central Queensland.

Her 2020 NIMAs experience is shaping to be a large one, with Nyaaringu’ nominated for Album of the Year, its single ‘Drowning’ is a chance for Film Clip of the Year and Miiesha is in the running for New Talent of the Year.

The Artist of the Year category promises to be a heavyweight contest with Baker Boy facing off with Electric Fields, Emily Wurramara, Jessica Mauboy, Mau Power and Thelma Plum.

This year’s show will be live from Larrakia Country (Darwin), with performers, guests, a Hall of Fame inductee and more to be announced in due course.

Produced in partnership with NITV, the 2020 NIMAs will air Aug. 8 from 7pm (AEST) and beam out on free-to-air television, Double J, and National Indigenous Radio Service broadcasters on terrestrial radio and Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

“What makes this year so exciting, is that we are able to involve and showcase many more of our First Nation artists and musicians through the virtual platform,” comments awards Creative Director Ben Graetz.

“Also to be able to connect regionally and remotely is extremely exciting.”

Check out ‘Drowning’ by Miiesha:

For the very first time, the NIMAs will welcome a 100% First Nations camera crew for the production as well as a majority First Nations production crew as it moves towards “a path of First Nations self-determination,” reads a statement.

“Here at NITV, the NIMAs always hold a special spot on our events calendar,” comments Head of Indigenous Content at SBS and NITV Channel Manager, Tanya Orman.

“In a year that has been particularly challenging, we can’t wait to celebrate the biggest and brightest talents in the First Nations music community and share the experience Australia wide.”

National Indigenous Music Awards Finalists 2020

Artist Of The Year
Baker Boy
Electric Fields
Emily Wurramara
Jessica Mauboy
Mau Power
Thelma Plum

Album Of The Year
Archie Roach – Tell Me Why
Jessica Mauboy – Hilda
Mau Power – Blue Lotus The Awakening
Miiesha – Nyaaringu Ray
Dimakarri Dixon – Standing Strong Mudburra Man

New Talent Of The Year
Allara
Dallas Woods
Kee’ahn
Miiesha
Mitch Tambo

Indigenous Language Award
Rrawun Maymuru & Nick Wales – Nyapililngu (Spirit Lady)
Stuart Nugget – Nayurni (Woman)

Song Of The Year
Alice Skye – ‘I Feel Better But I Don’t Feel Good’
Baker Boy – ‘Meditjin (feat. Jess B)’
Briggs – ‘House Fyre (feat. Tim Minchin)’
Electric Fields & Keiino -‘ Would I Lie’
Kee’ahn – ‘Better Things’
Thelma Plum – ‘Homecoming Queen’ 

Film Clip Of The Year
Baker Boy Ft. Jess B – ‘Meditjin’
Briggs Ft. Tim Minchin – ‘House Fyre’
Dallas Woods – ‘If It Glitters It’s Gold’
Miiesha – ‘Drowning’
Tasman Keith – ‘Billy Bad Again’

Community Clip Of The Year
Booningbah Goories
Bwgcolman Mob
Githabul Next Generation
Iron Range Danger Gang
Kda Crew
Ntaria Connect

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.