Miiesha, Thelma Plum and more announced to perform National Indigenous Music Awards

Neil Murray, Christine Anu, Mau Power, Jim Moginie and Rob Hirst will perform a special tribute to the Warumpi Band on August 8 to celebrate the first ever virtual National Indigenous Music Awards.

The awards, broadcast almost everywhere (on National Indigenous Television (NITV), Double J, National Indigenous Radio Service, Facebook, Youtube and Twitter) features a stacked live lineup.

Expect to see performances by Archie Roach, Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji singer Emma Donovan, ARIA #1 artist and Gamilaraay singer Thelma Plum, Pitjantjatjara and Torres Strait Island R&B star Miiesha (who took out Tone Deaf‘s Album of The Week), Numbulwar band Mambali and triple j Unearthed competition winners JK-47.

Thelma Plum

The NIMAs will be hosted by Elaine Crombie (Top Of The Lake, Top End Wedding, Black Comedy) and Steven Oliver (Faboriginal, A Chance Affair, Black Comedy). The Awards will also feature crosses to Jessica Mauboy, Mitch Tambo and Electric Fields, and remote communities including Yirrkala and more.

“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. Also to be able to connect regionally and
remotely is extremely exciting,” said NIMAs Creative Director, Ben Graetz.

This year’s NIMAs is making history left, right and centre. It will also welcome a 100% First Nations camera crew for the production for the very first time as well as a majority First Nations production crew.

Head of Indigenous Content at SBS and NITV Channel Manager, Tanya Orman, said:

“Here at NITV, the NIMAs always hold a special spot on our events calendar. 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.”

Earlier this month it was announced that, with a hattrick of nominations each, Baker Boy and Miiesha are at the front of the grid for this year’s NIMAs.

The National Indigenous Music Awards airs at 7pm AEST on August 8 across NITV, Double J, National Indigenous Radio Service, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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.