2026 NIMAs Hall of Fame Inductees Revealed

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware this article contains images and names of deceased persons.

Marlene Cummins and Saltwater Band have been revealed as the inductees into this year's National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) Hall of Fame.

The First Nations icon and Elcho Island roots outfit will be officially inducted at the 2026 NIMAs ceremony at Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 8th. 

Cummins is being recognised for a lifetime spent giving voice to her people's story through the blues. , while Saltwater Band are being recognised for being one of the Northern Territory's most beloved and influential groups. 

In other NIMAs news, details have been revealed for the Blak Loud Showcase, returning to Darwin's Bustard Town on Friday, August 7th as the unofficial opening night of the NIMAs.

Amazon Music Australia and Awesome Black are bringing together South Summit, Zipporah, and Casii Williams for a special night of music. 

"Darwin holds a special place for us," South Summit say. "The last time we played the Top End was back in 2024 at The Rails, and we haven't had the chance to make it back since.

"We're incredibly excited to return and be part of Amazon Music and Awesome Black's Blak Loud Showcase.

"It’s such a great opportunity to reconnect with fans in Darwin, share our music with a new audience and celebrate the incredible talent and culture coming out of Australia. We can’t wait to get back up there, play some songs and be part of such a special event."

Tickets to the 2026 NIMAs are available here. 

Now less than two weeks away, the night will see Rob Collins and Leila Gurruwiwi take the stage as the official MCs. 

Returning to the NIMAs is the Red Flag Dancers, led by prominent songman and ceremony leader Grant Ngulmiya Nundhirribala, named 2025 NT Australian of the Year.

The 35-strong ensemble will carry the sacred Dhumbala (Red Flag) songs and bunggul (ceremonial dance) to the Darwin Amphitheatre stage, with Nundhirribala also stepping out solo to perform a track from his new album Catalunya, recorded between Barcelona and Arnhem Land.