This year, the National Indigenous Music Awards has announced their line up in the leadup to their twentieth anniversary. For over two decades, the celebration has launched a plethora of careers in the Australian music industry for First Nation Artists. The National Indigenous Music Awards, or NIMAs, has been invaluable in carving out a space for Indigenous performers.

This year, under the Larrakia sky, a special shortlist of performers will rally for a once-off 20th anniversary performance in the form of a collaborative song at the Darwin Amphitheatre ceremony.

On the momentous occasion, Artist Jessica Mauboy has said, "Over the years, I’ve made so many incredible memories at the NIMAs. One of my favourite moments was when I was in the amphitheatre watching Yothu Yindi perform. I was up on the hills with my fam, looking down into the theatre, and when ‘Treaty’ was performed, everyone rushed to the stage. It felt like the whole mob just transformed into a mosh pit, and we were all together as one in that moment. It was an absolutely euphoric feeling. I’m thrilled to be performing at this year’s event, marking such an important milestone in celebrating Indigenous music.”

Without further ado, this is everything you need to know about the upcoming event in its 20th anniversary.

 

What is the NIMAs?

The NIMAs is the premier First Nations music celebration event celebrating important voices and music-makers in the Indigenous creative space of Australia.

 

Who will be performing at the NIMAs?

In honour of the 20th year anniversary of the event, Jessica Mauboy will kickstart a performance bill including 3%, Dan Sultan, Miss Kannina and more. Further performances from Miss Kaninna, Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) feat. Dr Shellie Morris AO, Birdz and Fred Leone, Eleanor Dixon Trio and Emily Wurramara will follow.

 

Interspersed between each of their individual sets, the musicians will come together for a once-off collaborative performance to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the National Indigenous Music Awards at the ceremony.

When will the NIMAs take place?

The NIMAs will take place on the 10th of August, 2024.  Broadcast on National Indigenous Television (NITV), more details to come as to where you can watch the awards. Tickets will go on sale here.