2 days ago
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
These are the winners of the National Indigenous Music Awards
The 2025 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) lit up the Darwin Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country, celebrating the power and diversity of First Nations music. Now in its 21st year, the NIMAs have become a cornerstone of the country's music calendar, honouring trailblazers and emerging talent from across the nation. Emily Wurramara claimed one of the night's biggest honours, taking out Artist of the Year.
Hip hop powerhouse BARKAA walked away with Album of the Year for her acclaimed release BIG TIDDA, a project praised for its unapologetic storytelling and fierce representation of Blak womanhood.
Arnhem Land favourites Andrew Gurruwiwi Band were named Best New Talent, bringing their infectious Yolŋu funk to a national audience. The group also took home Song of the Year for Once Upon A Time. Other major winners included Emily Wurramara again for Film Clip of the Year (Lordy Lordy), and Bulman School & Community for Community Music Clip of the Year with Crocodile Style, showcasing the creativity of young people in remote communities.
The evening featured powerhouse performances from Jessica Mauboy, Miss Kaninna, Velvet Trip, Emma Donovan and Troy Cassar-Daley, alongside a Hall of Fame induction.
Jessica Mauboy was honoured as the 2025 Hall of Fame inductee, recognising her remarkable career and lasting impact on First Nations music. The proud Kuku Yalanji and Wakaman woman, born in Darwin, has achieved six Top 10 albums, 16 Top 20 singles and 31 ARIA nominations, while championing Blak voices through hits like Burn and Little Things and acclaimed screen roles in The Sapphires and The Secret Daughter. She took to the stage for a special performance to mark her induction.
Full list of winners:
Artist of the Year – Emily Wurramara
Best New Talent – Andrew Gurruwiwi Band
Album of the Year – BARKAA (BIG TIDDA)
Film Clip of the Year – Emily Wurramara (Lordy Lordy)
Community Clip of the Year – Bulman School & Community (Crocodile Style)
Song of the Year – Andrew Gurruwiwi Band (Once Upon A Time)
Hall of Fame Inductee – Jessica Mauboy
