More acts added to NIMAs, nominations open

Frank Yamma, The Painted Ladies, Vic Simm and B2M have been added to July’s National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs).

Central Australian artist Frank Yamma, who sings in both Pitjantjatjara and English, is the son of Issac Yamma, an early champion of singing Western songs in traditional language. Tiwi Island’s B2M will perform tracks from their February-released debut album, Luke Peacock’s project The Painted Ladies will revisit songs from seminal album The Loner onstage and Vic Simm, who recorded The Loner in a Bathurst Jail in one hour in 1973, will perform with The Medics.

The four new acts will join the East Journey/Yothu Yindi EP collaboration,The Genesis Project. The project will make its Australian premiere with a one-hour live set.

Speaking to TMN, Mark Smith – Executive Director of MusicNT & NIMAs said: "The current wave of Indigenous music is a breath of fresh air within the mainstream music industry. It integrates a rich cultural heritage that illustrates an intimate connection to place,a respect for environment,as well as very often incorporating language still largely unfamiliar to many Australian listeners;yet resonating profoundly. Audiences are connecting with this in increasing numbers and the awards provide a national platform for recognition".

Nominations for the Awards have opened today for both the industry and the general public at nima.musicnt.com.au.

“Last year saw the largest ever number of nominations from across the country and given the continued growth in the Indigenous Music scene we anticipate this year will be even greater,” said Smith in a statement. This is your chance to recognise the acts that you love and we look forward to discovering the amazing talent from across the country.”

As part of Reconciliation Week on May 27 triple j Unearthed’s Indigenous Competition will open. The partnership between NIMA and triple j Unearthed has discovered Thelma Plum [QLD] in 2012, Robbie Miller [QLD] in 2013 and rising Hip Hop artist Philly from Victoria in 2014.

Philly, who is readying his latest single Dream Chaser said: “Without triple j Unearthed and NIMAs I doubt very much I would be in such an exciting time in my career as a musician.”

The NIMAs will be held in Darwin on Saturday July 25 and organised by peak music association Music NT. Nominations closeJune 20.

NIMA organisers have partnered with Outback Stores and the Arnhem Land Progress Association [ALPA] who have positioned ticket outlets in over 35 remote NT community stores. Tickets for these communities opens today. For more info and to enter go to the NIMA Facebook page.

National Award Categories 2015

• Artist of the Year
• Album of the Year
• Song of the Year
• New Talent of the Year
• Film Clip of the Year
• Cover Art of the Year
• Community Music Project Award– Community Music Clip of the Year
• Hall of Fame

NT Award Categories 2015

• School Band of the Year

• Traditional Music Award

Image:Yothu Yindi with third generation member, 3-year-old TJMununggurr, son ofEast Journey yidaki player Ngalkanbuy Mununggurrand Loretta Mununggurr, the daughter of the late Dr M Yunupingu.