News April 30, 2019

Nominations are open for the 2019 National Indigenous Music Awards

Image: Supplied

2019 is set to see the return of the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) for its 16th year, with nominations for this year’s event now open.

Last August, music fans from around the country watched on as Baker Boy and the late Gurrumul won big at the annual National Indigenous Music Awards.

A big night for both artists, music lovers were undoubtedly stoked to witness the recognition of such amazing Indigenous music for yet another year.

Now, with the awards set to to return to Darwin’s Amphitheatre on August 10th, the NIMAs have now opened up nominations for this year’s awards.

The first edition of the NIMAs since the launch of the weekly National Indigenous Music Chart, members of the public and industry are encouraged to nominate any Indigenous album or single released after June 1st, 2018.

“Whether it is acknowledging greats of the past or discovering the talent of the future, the NIMAs continue to hold an important place in the Australian music calendar for both recognition and discovery of First Nations talent,” explained National Indigenous Music Awards Reference Group Chair Warren H. Williams.

“The event continues to evolve and cement its relevance across the year to show Australia the wide range of amazing music that Indigenous people contribute to Australia’s musical canon.”

Judging of the National Indigenous Music Awards for 2019 will also be evenly split this year, with 50% of votes coming from a panel of prominent Indigenous Australians and community leaders, and 50% from a panel of Indigenous and non-Indigenous media and music industry representatives.

If you’re keen to cast your vote, be sure to head over to the National Indigenous Music Awards website and have your say.