The finest in First Nation's music have been recognised at the National Indigenous Music Awards, with the winners announced during a special two hour radio special.
Kamilaroi sensation The Kid LAROI capped an astoundingly successful year by nabbing the artist of the year award, no great surprise to anyone who has watched his stellar rise.
He beat off stiff competition from Sycco, Birdz, Miiesha, Baker Boy and Jessica Mauboy to take home the gong, following a year of broken records, No. 1 hits and star collaborations.
Other luminaries and rising stars of Blak music were recognised over the night, broadcast on Triple J, Double J, Triple J Unearthed and via the National Indigenous Radio Service.
Aṉangu Torres Strait Islander artist Miiesha’s deeply personal single ‘Damaged’ took home the award for ‘Song of the Year’, while Coodjinburra musician Budjerah won ‘Best New Talent of the Year’, and the 'fresh prince of Arnhem Land', Baker Boy, swooped in to score ‘Best Film Clip of the Year’ for ‘Ride ft. Yirrmal’.
Guwanbal Gurruwiwi and Netanela Mizrahi scored ‘Indigenous Language Award of the Year’ for The Djari Project, while Community Clip of the Year went to Kakadu Collective & Victor Rostron for ‘Mayali’.
The National Indigenous Music Awards also celebrated the life and vastly important work of Indigenous musician Kev Carmody, inducting him into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2021 award ceremony.
The broadcast event replaced the traditional live ceremony scheduled for August at the Darwin Amphitheatre due to Covid.
Sunday’s broadcast was presented by Yuin rapper Nooky and Triple J’s Karla Ranby and featured performances by electronic duo Electric Fields and this year’s Triple J Unearthed Nima competition winner Tilly Tjala Thomas.
