Archie Roach’s album Tell Me Why won the Album of The Year at the National Indigenous Awards held in Darwin on the weekend. His long-time partner, the late Ruby Hunter – a Ngarrindjeri woman – was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. Roach performed a special tribute to his former partner in life and music.
Yolngu rapper, Baker Boy won three of the 10 awards at the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA). He was up against Jess Mauboy, Thelma Plum, Emily Wurramara, Mau Power and Electric Fields in the category.
The NT rapper also took out Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year for his track Meditjin featuring Jess B.
The night included many virtual special guest appearances including, Jessica Mauboy, Mitch Tambo and Thelma Plum. Midnight Oil gave their first live performance of new song ‘Gadigal Land’ which features Kaleena Briggs, Bunna Lawrie and Dan Sultan.
The 2020 NIMAs winners:
• Album of the Year: Archie Roach Tell Me Why
• Hall of Fame: Ruby Hunter
• Archie Roach Foundation Award: Kee’ahn
• Artist of the Year: Baker Boy
• New Talent of the Year: Miiesha
• Song of the Year: ‘Meditjin’ by Baker Boy featuring Jess B
• Film Clip of the Year: ‘Meditjin’ by Baker Boy featuring Jess B
• Community Clip of the Year: ‘Djabuganydji Bama’ by KDA Crew
• Indigenous Language Award: ‘Nyapillilngu (Spirit Lady)’ by Rrawun Maymuru & Nick Wales
Due to COVID-19 the annual music event was broadcast on TV, radio and online for the first time. If you missed the show or want to catch it again, you can find it on SBS on Demand or on the Music NT YouTube channel.