The 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) nominees have been announced, with 24 acts recognised across six categories ahead of the ceremony in Garramilla (Darwin).
The awards will return to Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 8, bringing together First Nations music, storytelling and live performance on Larrakia Country.
Nominees have been named for Artist of the Year, Best New Talent, Album of the Year, Film Clip of the Year, Community Clip of the Year and Song of the Year.
Birdz and Fred Leone lead this year's nominations with four, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for GIRA.
Their track 'Wanya Nyin Yanmanj' has also been nominated for Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year.
Pertame Mirning woman and Music NT's Catherine Satour said the nominees reflected the range of First Nations music being produced across the country.
"2026 National Indigenous Music Awards nominees represent an extraordinary diverse showcase of the incredible talent shaping First Nations music today," Ms Satour said.
"This year's list is one of our strongest yet, celebrating artists who are pushing creative boundaries, sharing powerful stories and continuing to inspire audiences across this country.
"Congratulations to every finalist, looking forward to honouring your achievements together on Larrakia Country in August."
Artist of the Year
Seven acts have been nominated for Artist of the Year.
South Summit is among the finalists following the release of its second album 'Run It Back' and will also perform at this year's ceremony.
Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali artist Miss Kaninna has been nominated as she prepares to release her upcoming mixtape 'BLACKPRINT'.
Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung singer-songwriter Jem Cassar-Daley returns to the awards after winning New Talent of the Year in 2021.
Baker Boy, Bumpy and 3% complete the category alongside Birdz and Fred Leone.
The nominees are: 3%, Baker Boy, Birdz and Fred Leone, Bumpy, Jem Cassar-Daley, Miss Kaninna and South Summit.
Best New Talent
Six acts have been shortlisted for Best New Talent.
Northeast Arnhem Land group Drifting Clouds has been nominated for 'Bawuypawuy', which blends songlines with synth-pop, rock and country.
Zipporah is recognised for 'Some Typa Way', while Waanyi and Manandanji rapper Say True God? and emerging singer-songwriter Jet Cameron are also among the finalists.
Noongar Wongi rapper Inkabee has been nominated after becoming the youngest artist to appear on triple j's Like A Version, where he performed a cover of the Black Eyed Peas track 'Where Is the Love?'.
Dallas Woods, Nooky, Fred Leone, RIAH and Soju Gang complete the category with their collaboration 'Voices of Resistance'.
The nominees are: Drifting Clouds, Inkabee, Jet Cameron, Say True God?, Dallas Woods, Nooky, Fred Leone, RIAH and Soju Gang and Zipporah.
Album of the Year
Six releases have been nominated for Album of the Year.
Baker Boy is in contention for Djandjay, while Birdz and Fred Leone have been recognised for GIRA.
Emma Donovan has been nominated for Take Me to The River and Say True God? is shortlisted for BLAK.
Crossroads by Stiff Gins and Hendle by Trials complete the category.
The nominees are: Baker Boy, Birdz and Fred Leone, Emma Donovan, Say True God?, Stiff Gins and Trials.
Film Clip of the Year
Six music videos are in the running for Film Clip of the Year.
The category includes 'Our Greats' by 3% and Baker Boy's 'THICK SKIN', featuring Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee'ahn and Jada Weazel.
Birdz and Fred Leone are nominated for 'Wanya Nyin Yanmanj', while Drifting Clouds has been recognised for 'Bawuypawuy'.
Kobie Dee's 'Aim For The Stars' and South Summit's 'Top of the Hill' complete the list.
The nominees are: 3%, Baker Boy, Emma Donovan, Kee'ahn and Jada Weazel Birdz and Fred Leone, Drifting Clouds, Kobie Dee and South Summit.
Community Clip of the Year
Seven community-led projects have been nominated for Community Clip of the Year.
The category highlights the use of music and video to share language, culture, health messages and community stories.
Bulman School and Community has been nominated for 'LOK LOK MAH BURARR', meaning Lizard and Goanna.
Geraldton TIS is recognised for 'Barndi Yarraly', which carries the message Vaping is Vicious, Not Delicious.
K2 the B and CJR are nominated for 'Barunga', while Mossman Gorge is shortlisted for 'Yundu Bama Yalada'.
Mossman Mob's 'Still Believing', Northern Peninsula Area's 'All The Way From The NPA' and Wujal Wujal's 'Rainforest to the Sea' complete the category.
The nominees are: Bulman School and Community, Geraldton TIS, K2 the B and CJR, Mossman Gorge, Mossman Mob, Northern Peninsula Area and Wujal Wujal.
Song of the Year
Six tracks have been nominated for Song of the Year.
Baker Boy's 'THICK SKIN', featuring Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee'ahn and Jada Weazel, is among the finalists.
Birdz and Fred Leone are nominated for 'Wanya Nyin Yanmanj', while Drifting Clouds is recognised for 'Bawuypawuy'.
Jem Cassar-Daley has received a nomination for 'Front Left Pocket', alongside Yung Maynie for 'Always Was' and Zipporah for 'Some Typa Way'.
The nominees are: Baker Boy, Birdz and Fred Leone, Drifting Clouds, Jem Cassar-Daley, Yung Maynie and Zipporah.
Live performance lineup
South Summit has been added to the live performance lineup after receiving nominations for Artist of the Year and Film Clip of the Year.
The Boorloo-based reggae band joins Baker Boy, BIG NOTER, Bumpy, Casii Williams, Electric Fields, Stiff Gins and Zipporah.
More performers are expected to be announced before the ceremony.
The confirmed lineup is: Baker Boy, BIG NOTER, Bumpy, Casii Williams, Electric Fields, South Summit, Stiff Gins, Zipporah
The NIMAs will form part of a week-long program of First Nations arts and culture events in Garramilla/Darwin from August 5 to 11.
The week will also include the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and the National Indigenous Fashion Awards.
