Indigenous Music Awards confirm broadcast date and TV partner

After revealing the National Indigenous Music Awards would take place online this year, organisers have now announced more details.

The annual event that celebrates and spotlights First Nations artists will proceed via a virtual setting on August 8 across TV, radio and online.

Host TV broadcaster NITV will join with radio and online partners to create a unique presentation live from Darwin, Larrakia Country and locations across Australia.

Channel manager at NITA, Tanya Denning-Orman, said the network is proud to continue the tradition broadcasting the important awards and performances.

NITV is committed to celebrating Indigenous musicians from all over Australia. Music has always been a strong part of our people’s Cultures,” said Denning-Orman.

A statement on Wednesday promised iconic performances, both at home and on-country, and the presentation of 2020’s NIMAs acknowledging artists from across the community.

NIMAs Creative Director, Iwaidja, Malak Malak and Badu Island man, Ben Graetz.

Viewers will be encouraged to join in on social media and “will contribute to the event live, bringing the country together in an ambitious production”.

Last month the NIMAs named Ben Graetz its new creative director, a fierce advocate for the First Nations, disability, LGBTIQA+ and arts communities.

“The NIMAs star has shone brightly for seventeen years and far from dimming that light, COVID has emboldened us to re-imagine what the event can be,” said Graetz.

The former artistic director of the Darwin Pride Festival said the new format would allow the awards to reach more people and create an even bigger platform for First Nations music.

Nominations for this year’s awards close this Friday (May 29) with all songs and albums released before May 31 by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people eligible.