The stratospheric rise of the recognition of First Nations music over the last few years shows no signs of slowing down.
The J Awards, hotly anticipated every year as a barometer of the country's music, have been released, and Indigenous artists feature in every category.
Baker Boy, the Yolngu hip-hop sensation making waves with his English/Yolŋu Matha lyrics, is up for the Triple J Album of the Year Award.
His long-awaited debut album Gela made its appearance last month.
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Unearthed Artist of the Year is always a particularly exciting award, acknowledging up-and-coming artists sure to make waves in the industry.
That is certainly true of nominees King Stingray, the 5-piece band from North-East Arnhem Land. The Yolngu surf-rocker line-up includes Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu (nephew of Yothu Yindi frontman, the late Dr M Yunupiŋu) and Roy Kellaway (son of Stu Kellaway, Yothu Yindi founding member and bass player).
Emma Donovan has music in the blood, starting her career at 7 singing with her uncle's band The Donovans. Now performing with her own band The Putbacks, the Gumbaynggirr Danggali Naaguja and Yamatji woman is getting her own glory, with a nomination for the prestigious Double J Artist of the Year.
The desert rockers with a surf-sound, King Stingray. Source: Supplied
The triple j and RAGE Music Video of the Year Award meanwhile has some hot contenders, including the songwriter and activist Ziggy Ramo, whose music is indistinguishable from his politics. His debut album Black Thoughts addressed colonial dispossession, systemic racism and intergenerational trauma.
He's been nominated for his video to ‘Little Things', which features Paul Kelly and was directed by Ramo himself.
Last but not least is Digi Youth Arts, a not-for-profit arts organisation that creates change through artistic excellence and advocacy.
The organisation is up for the Done Good Award, which recognises those who have "made an impact on the industry through outstanding achievement, social change or altruistic endeavours".
Tune in on Thursday 18 November to find out the winners!
