Iconic Indigenous music group Yothu Yinidi is set to receive a long-awaited honour after being announced as the newest inductees into the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) Hall of Fame, which is being held on Saturday.
Known for their timeless anthem "Treaty", Yothu Yindi has solidified their impact on Australian music after breaking new ground by collaborating with non-Indigenous musicians known as the "Swamp Jockeys."
The influence of their music continues today with King Stingray, as Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu (nephew of Yothu Yindi's Dr. Mandawuy Yunupiŋu AO) and Roy Kellaway (son of the group's bass player, Stu Kellaway) sharing their stories.
In November 2012, Yothu Yindi earned their place in the ARIA Hall Of Fame.
Yunupiŋu, who was recognised as the Australian Of The Year in 1992, delivered a poignant speech urging the acknowledgment of Indigenous Australians in the constitution. The band then joined forces with Paul Kelly and Peter Garrett for a rendition of "Treaty."
While Yothu Yindi has experienced the loss of founding member Dr Mandawuy Yunupiŋu OA and Dr Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupiŋu, the group's formidable legacy lives on through new frontman Yirringa Yunupiŋu, following in the footsteps of his uncle Mandawuy.
The 2023 NIMAs will be hosted by Butchulla man Fred Leone, who will also introduce his new single "Yirimi Gundir" through a world-first performance.
Additionally, Elaine Crombie, an actress, singer, and writer of Yunkuntjatjarra, Warrigmay, South Sea, and German descent, will return as a host for the NIMAs.
The 19th annual NIMA event, showcasing 22 of Australia's finest First Nations artists is scheduled for Saturday 12 August at the Darwin Ampitheare.
2023 National Indigenous Music Awards nominees
Hall of Fame
Yothu Yindi
Artist of the Year
Budjerah
Jessica Mauboy
Mo'Ju
Kobie Dee
The Kid Laroi
New Talent of the Year
Bumpy
Royston Noell
Wildfire Manwurrk
Marlon X Rulla
Tjaka
Film Clip of the Year
Wildfire Manwurrk - Lonely Bangardi
Budjerah - Therapy
A.B. Original - King Billy Cokebottle
Thelma Plum - The Brown Snake
King Stingray - Let's Go
Song of the Year
Bumpy - Hide and Seek
Budjerah - Therapy
Miiesha - Skin Deep
King Stingray - Let's Go
Yirrmal ft. Dami Im - Promised Land
Album of the Year
Thelma Plum - Meanjin (EP)
Ngulmiya - Self-titled
Mo'Ju - Oro Plata Mata
Miiesha - Smoke & Mirrors
Beddy Rays - Self-titled
Community Clip of the Year
Wildfire Manwurrk - Mararradj
Utju Community - Tjamuku Tjukurpa Kanyila
Lil Youngins - The Problem
Indigenous Outreach Project w/ Gunyangara, Yirrkala & Dhalinbuy, NT ft. Yirrmal - Indigenous
Outreach Projects, Gunyangara, Yirrkala & Dhalinbuy ft. Yirrmal
Garrthalala Community - Garrthalala Manikay
