National Indigenous Music Award Unveils 2019 Nominations

AUSTRALIA (CelebrityAccess) – The National Indigenous Music Awards have unveiled their nominations for the 2019 awards.

Leading this year’s finalist list is Mojo Juju, who is nominated in four of the six categories following the massive success of her third studio album Native Tongue.

Following Mojo Juju with three nominations is Gumbaynggirr rapper Tasman Keith.

Also featured on the finalist list are Baker Boy, Archie Roach, Briggs, Electric Fields, Jessica Mauboy, Thelma Plum, Emily Wurramara, Dan Sultan, Kaiit, Kobie Dee, Mambali Band and Tia Gostelow.

It has been a big year for Indigenous musicians including Mojo Juju and Dan Sultan nominated for three and two ARIAs apiece, Electric Fields becoming runners up to be Australia’s Eurovision entrant, Baker Boy cracking commercial radio with “Cool as Hell” and Gurrumul winning the Australian Music Prize and four ARIAs for Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow).

“In the past year, Indigenous music has continued its meteoric rise to the top of music in Australia, pushing boundaries and finding its place at the forefront of art in our country,” said NIMA Reference Group Chair, Warren H. Williams. “The NIMAs follows that rise ready to recognize and amplify the voices of our musicians on their journey upwards.”

This year’s event will be held on Saturday, August 10 at Darwin’s iconic Amphitheater. 

Taking to the stage that evening is legendary ARIA and APRA Award-winning, NIMA Hall of Fame inductee Archie Roach, along with previously announced performers Jessica Mauboy, Dan Sultan, Electric Fields, Tasman Keith, Indigenous choir collective Spinifex Gum, Yorta Yorta soprano Deborah Cheetham, Larrakia nation’s Kenbi Dancers and Indigenous violinist Eric Avery.

Tickets are on sale now, available through Darwin Festival HERE.

The nominees for the 2019 National Indigenous Music Awards are as follows: