The guest performers for this year’s National Indigenous Music Awards have been announced today. The awards, which will be broadcast on across TV, Radio and online on August 8th, will feature performances from national treasure Archie Roach, Gamilaraay singer Thelma Plum, Pitjantjatjara and Torres Strait Island R&B star Miiesha and more.
The evening will also include a tribute to the Warmupi Band, with an exclusive performance of “My Island Home” from a star-studded cast of performers, including songwriter Neil Murray, performer Christine Anu, as well as Mau Power, Jim Moginie and Rob Hurst.
There will also be performances from Numbulwar band Mambali, Triple J Unearthed competition winners JK-47, and Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji singer Emma Donovan. Throughout the festivities, hosts Elaine Crombie and Steven Oliver will also be crossing live to nominees Jessica Mauboy, Mitch Tambo and Electric Fields.
The awards, with their sizeable geographic and genre range, celebrate the best of First Nations musical talent. The award’s twenty-four finalists are spread across seven categories and represent a diverse and rich breadth of talent with grassroots and newcomers honoured right alongside chart-toppers and ARIA nominees.
The finalists for this year’s National Indigenous Music Awards are:
Artist of the Year
Baker Boy
Electric Fields
Emily Wurramara
Jessica Mauboy
Mau Power
Thelma Plum
Album of the Year
Archie Roach – Tell Me Why
Jessica Mauboy – Hilda
Mau Power – Blue Lotus The Awakening
Miiesha – Nyaaringu
Ray Dimakarri Dixon – Standing Strong Mudburra Man
New Talent of the Year
Allara
Dallas Woods
Kee’ahn
Miiesha
Mitch Tambo
Indigenous Language Award
Rrawun Maymuru & Nick Wales – Nyapililngu (Spirit Lady)
Stuart Nugget – Nayurni (Woman)
Song of the Year
Alice Skye – “I Feel Better But I Don’t Feel Good”
Baker Boy ft. Jess B – “Meditjin”
Briggs ft. Tim Minchin – “House Fyre”
Electric Fields & Keiino – “Would I Lie”
Kee’ahn – “Better Things”
Thelma Plum – “Homecoming Queen”
Film Clip of the Year
Baker Boy ft. Jess B – “Meditjin”
Briggs ft. Tim Minchin – “House Fyre”
Dallas Woods – “If It Glitters It’s Gold”
Miiesha – “Drowning”
Tasman Keith – “Billy Bad Again”
Community Clip of the Year
Booningbah Goories
Bwgcolman Mob
Githabul Next Generation
Iron Range Danger Gang
KDA Crew
Ntaria Connect
The National Indigenous Music Awards airs at 7pm AEST on 8th August 2020 across NITV, Double J, National Indigenous Radio Service, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
In the build up to the night you can stream the 2020 NIMAs playlist featuring all the finalists on Spotify.
Header Image: Thelma Plum, photographed by Kerrie Geier
