Some of Australia's finest First Nations artists have been announced as 2023 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) finalists, with 22 nominees spread across six categories.
The pool of nominees are lead by ARIA-winning singer songwriter Budjerah, who has been nominated for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year.
Budjerah's multiple nominations adds to his already impressive list of accolades from 2023, having toured the country as support for superstar Ed Sheeran, performed at Grand Central Park in New York, and released the massive hit single, 'Therapy'.
Up-and-comers Wildfire Manwurrk have also been nominated for three award categories, up for New Talent of the Year, Film Clip of the Year and Community Clip of the Year.
Fast gaining a reputation as one of the best live acts in the country, the group, who hail from Arnhem Land are a melting pot of thrashing guitars, traditional songlines, and the stories they face in a world of culture and change.
"We have walked a long hard road to get here over many years and feel so happy to be recognised for our music at this national level. To be recognised as one of Australia's important Indigenous voices means everything to us," said finalists Wildfire Manwurrk.
"Our music tells our story in our language, one of the oldest languages in this world. That language, it will help you connect to where you are standing. It will help us come together, where we learn from each other."
The awards ceremony, to be held on Larrakia Country at the Darwin Amphitheatre on August 12, will include performances from the likes of Thelma Plum, Barkaa and Budjerah, with NIMA co-host Fred Leone to delivery a special night performance, premiering his latest single 'Yirimi Gundir'.
The awards will be hosted by artist, cultural leader, and Butchulla Songman Fred Leone alongside returning NIMA host, Yunkuntjatjarra, Warrigmay, South Sea and German-descended actress, singer and writer Elaine Crombie.
2023 NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS NOMINATIONS
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', Dunghutti Community in Kempsey NSW - 'The Black Truth - There's Still Hope'.
