2026 NIMAs Nominees Revealed

The 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) nominees have officially been announced. 

Going ahead at the Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 8th, this year's Artist of the Year category features seven of Australia's favourite acts, including Baker Boy, BUMPY, 3%, Miss Kannina, Jem Cassar-Daley, Birdz and Fred Leone and South Summit.

As well as Artist of the Year, Baker Boy features in 5 of the 7 total categories, including Song of the Year ("THICK SKIN") and Album of the Year (Djandjay).

“2026 National Indigenous Music Awards nominees represent an extraordinary diverse showcase of the incredible talent shaping First Nations music today,” Music NT's Catherine Satour said.

"This year's list is one of our strongest yet, celebrating artists who are pushing creative boundaries, sharing powerful stories and continuing to inspire audiences across this country.

“Congratulations to every finalist, looking forward to honouring your achievements together on Larrakia Country in August.”

Check out all of the nominees below, or click here for more information.

Artist of the Year

3%
Baker Boy
Birdz and Fred Leone
BUMPY
Jem Cassar-Daley
Miss Kaninna
South Summit

Best New Talent

Drifting Clouds
INKABEE
Jet Cameron
Say True God
Voices of Resistance
Zipporah

Album of the Year

Baker Boy — Djandjay
Birdz & Fred Leone — GIRA
Say True God? — BLAK
Emma Donovan — Take Me to The River
Stiff Gins — Crossroads
Trials — Hendle

Film Clip of the Year

3% — "Our Greats"
Baker Boy — "THICK SKIN" feat. Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee'ahn & Jada Weazel
Birdz & Fred Leone — "Wanya Nyin Yanmanj"
Drifting Clouds — "Bawuypawuy"
Kobie Dee — "Aim For The Stars"
South Summit — "Top of the Hill"

Community Clip of the Year

Bulman School & Community — "LOK LOK MAH BURARR (Lizard & Goanna)"
Mossman Gorge — "Yundu Bama Yalada"
Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) — "All The Way From The NPA"
Mossman Mob - “Still Believing”
Geraldton — "Barndi Yarraly - Geraldton TIS"
"Vaping is Vicious - Not Delicious"
Wujal Wujal — "Rainforest to the Sea"

Song of the Year

Baker Boy — "THICK SKIN" feat. Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee'ahn & Jada Weazel
Birdz & Fred Leone — "Wanya Nyin Yanmanj"
Drifting Clouds — "Wanya Nyin Yanmanj"
Jem Cassar-Daley — "Front Left Pocket"
Yung Maynie — "Always Was"
ZIPPORAH — "Some Typa Way"