Malyangapa Barkindji rapper Barkaa has taken home Artist of the Year at the annual National Indigenous Music Awards.
Held on Larrakia Country on Saturday night, the NIMA's celebrate the best of Indigenous music, and it was Barkaa who took home the major award after seeing off Eurovision stars Electric Fields, rap trio 3%, 'Yolŋu surf rock' group King Stingray, singer Budjerah and renowned songwriter Emma Donovan.
Barkaa, also known as Chloe Quayle, also took out the Film Clip of the Year for her song "We Up."
Arrente/Gurindji musician Dan Sultan's self-titled release took home Album of the Year, seeing off strong competition from The Kid Laroi, Emma Donovan, Jessica Mauboy and Troy Cassar-Daley.
Described by Paul Kelly as one of the nation's great soul singers, Sultan's fifth album, which recounts his early experience with racism, as well as his young family, was widely praised.
3%, who National Indigenous Times were given the opportunity to witness on their prison tour last year across Victoria, took out song of the year for their hit "Our People".
Taking their name from the percentage of the Australian population Indigenous people make up, the rap collective sampled The Presets "My People" to unleash a searing indictment on Closing the Gap and Indigenous incarceration.
New Talent of the Year went to Kamilaroi/Samoan pop artist Becca Hatch, who won ahead of Jada Weazel, Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, South Summit, and James Range Band.
The Indigenous Language Award, which celebrates work performed in a First Nations language, was shared between Electric Fields' "Anpuru Maru Kutjpa," and Rrawun Maymuru's for "Yolngu".
Both were recognised for their contributions to preserving and celebrating Indigenous languages through music.
Warumpi Band lead singer Sammy Butcher joined the likes of Yothu Yindi, Gurrumul, Kev Carmody and Ruby Hunter by being inducted into the NIMA's hall of fame for his significant contribution to the performing arts.
An Elder in the Papunya community, Mr Butcher has spent decades encouraging young people in Central Australia to play and record music.
Community Clip of the Year was awarded to Bulman School & Community for "Nidjarra," which was performed in Dalabon language and taught by local Elder Dudley Lawrence.
"This heartfelt clip embodies the strength and unity of our communities, reminding us of the power of storytelling and connection," the NIMA's said on Facebook.
The 20th annual NIMA's celebrate the best in Indigenous music, with past winners including a who's who of Australian music, including Baker Boy, Troy Cassar-Daley, Gurrumul Yunupingu and Jessica Mauboy.
