In their 19th year, the National Indigenous Music Awards brought their finest celebration of First Nations music yet. Held at Darwin Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country, the event saw great laughs from co-hosts Fred Leone and Elaine Crombie, and a slew of dazzling performances from Fred Leone, Thelma Plum, Budjerah and a surprise performance from Yothu Yindi.
Yolngu stars King Stingray swept up at the awards, taking the top prizes for Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year for ‘Let’s Go.’ Meanwhile, after an incredible 12 months on the scene, Budjerah won the Artist of the Year award. Best album of the year went to indie icon Thelma Plum for her Meanjin (EP), while the Indigenous Language Award was went to traditional songman Ngulmiya for his self-titled debut album.
The Hall of Fame spot was awarded to Yothu Yindi for their long and powerful contributions to Indigenous and Australian music across several decades. In an absolute highlight of the evening, the band’s original lineup along with Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu, nephew of Dr M Yunupiŋu and King Stingray vocalist, took to the stage for a performance of their powerful hit ‘Treaty.’
The 2023 National Indigenous Music Awards will be broadcast on SBS Viceland on Friday 18 August at 11.05pm and on SBS on Saturday 19 August at 9am.