News October 27, 2015

Jess Mauboy and Dan Sultan share National Indigenous Music Award

Former Editor

For the first time in the history of the National Indigenous Music Awards, the coveted Artist of the Year award was awarded to two artists following equal votes: Jessica Mauboy and Dan Sultan.

Mark Smith, Executive Director MusicNT and organisers of the NIMAs said: “Both Dan and Jess celebrate and showcase the high level of achievement in the Indigenous music industry and highlight the ongoing mainstream success of Indigenous music.”

Dan Sultan said in a statement:"What a great honour to receive this award, and when I saw the list of Finalists this year it dawned on me just how many more names are yet to be awarded this very same one I happily share with Jess. There’s so much great talent coming through and it’s a privilege to be in the same company."

Taking place on Saturday night at the Darwin Amphitheatre, the fourth NIMAs also acknowledged the work of hip hop activist Briggs, who took out Album of the Year for his debut album Sheplife, as well as Film Clip of the year for Bad Apples.

Rising hip hop star Philly took out New Talent of the Year; check out his Like A Version performance of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds here.

Song of the Year went to QLD singer/songwriter Thelma Plum for How Much Does Your Love Cost? Plum, who was the first triple j Unearthed NIMA competition winner in 2012 flew to Darwin to accept the award in person.

Cover Art of the Year went to Radical Son’s debut album Cause N Affect.

The National Community Clip of the Year award went to Cairns Murri Crew for Built to Last; the clip was produced by Desert Pea Media.

The NT Traditional Music Award of the Year award went to two acts this year, both from North East Arnhem Land: Djalu Gurruwiwi, a healer and the world’s primary custodian of the Yidaki, [the didgeridoo], and East Journey for their songlines Mokuy & Bonba, recorded with permission to be publically available via The Genesis Project EP released earlier this year.

Central Australian band Blekbala Mujik and Australian music legend Vic Simms were inducted into the NIMA Hall of Fame for their contributions to the Indigenous music scene.

Performances on the night included Gurrumul, East Journey ft Yothu Yindi, Frank Yamma, B2M, The Painted Ladies, Blekbala Mujik, Yirrmal and Zane Francis.

The NIMAs were broadcast live via the Community Radio Network [CRN/CBBA], making it available to over 1.2Million listeners nationally, andhosted by NITV and SBS journalist and presenter Malarndirri McCarthy and cabaret comedian Kamahi Djordon King.

2015 National Indigenous Music Award Winners

Artist of the Year

Jessica Mauboy

and

Dan Sultan

Album of the Year

Sheplife – Briggs

Song of the Year

How much does your love cost? – Thelma Plum

New Talent of the Year

Philly

Cover Art of the Year