The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) has unveiled its 2025 finalists and a stacked lineup of live performances.
The ceremony returns to the Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 9th.
Leading the nominations are ARIA-winning hip hop collective 3%, recognised for their protest album KILL THE DEAD; acclaimed singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara, praised for the emotional depth and storytelling on NARA; and festival favourites Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, whose joyful debut Sing Your Own Song earned them four nominations.
Close behind with three nods apiece are Yolŋu surf-rock outfit King Stingray and hip hop powerhouse BARKAA, off the back of her fierce EP BIG TIDDA. Also in the mix are chart-topper Jessica Mauboy, genre-bender Radical Son, and stirring roots artist Emma Donovan, all up for Artist of the Year, presented by YouTube.
Best New Talent showcases five boundary-pushing acts: Maningrida’s Ripple Effect Band, Naarm-based rapper Miss Kaninna, Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, Tjaka, and Drifting Clouds.
The Community Clip of the Year category highlights community-led storytelling, with nominations for Kalkaringi School’s “Gurindji Dream Big (Kuni-jungkarni)”, Mapoon Community’s “Breathe In Breathe Out”, and Warmun Community’s “Turkey Creek”.
Taking the stage this year is a powerful mix of legends and next-gen stars, including country icon Troy Cassar-Daley, Jessica Mauboy, powerhouse soul leader Emma Donovan, and psych-rock innovators Velvet Trip.
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Joining them are Malyangapa, Barkindji rapper and reigning NIMAs Artist of the Year BARKAA; Gomeroi rapper Kobie Dee; gospel-blues vocalist Kankawa Nagarra; and Eleanor Jawurlngali and Mick Turner (Dirty Three), who’ll premiere the first single from their upcoming album.
“My connection to Larrakia Country has been a long one. First visiting at 21, I fell in love with the country and its people,” says Troy Cassar-Daley. “I can’t wait to celebrate our mob’s achievements in Garramilla. I have my guitar at the ready and songs to sing as we celebrate 21 years of the NIMAs together.”
For the first time, the 2025 ceremony will livestream globally on YouTube, shining a light on Indigenous music for audiences around the world.
“We’re incredibly proud to step in as presenting partner this year,” says Marion Goodman-Briand, Music Content Partnerships, YouTube Australia & New Zealand. “The NIMAs stand as a powerful platform, showcasing the extraordinary talent and rich narratives embedded within First Nations music, and our commitment is to amplify these voices to a global audience.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to all the nominees who continue to push boundaries and share vital stories, including 3%, Emily Wurramara, and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band. We’re also looking forward to the electrifying performances from artists like the legendary Troy Cassar-Daley, the iconic Jessica Mauboy, and groundbreaking acts such as BARKAA. We’ll be livestreaming and promoting the 2025 NIMAs ceremony worldwide on YouTube, ensuring its reach extends far beyond Larrakia Country, sharing this pivotal cultural event with the world and celebrating the profound impact of First Nations music.”
Tickets for this year’s ceremony are on sale here.
2025 Nimas
Saturday, August 9th
Darwin Amphitheatre, Garramilla/Darwin NT
AWARD CATEGORIES:
Artist of the Year presented by YouTube
3%
Emily Wurramara
Jessica Mauboy
King Stingray
Emma Donovan
Radical Son
Birdz and Fred Leone
Best New Talent
Andrew Gurruwiwi Band
Drifting Clouds
Miss Kaninna
Ripple Effect Band
Tjaka
Album of the Year
3% – KILL THE DEAD
Andrew Gurruwiwi Band – Sing Your Own Song
BARKAA – BIG TIDDA
Emily Wurramara – NARA
King Stingray – For The Dreams
Film Clip of the Year
3% – Won’t Stop ft. Jessica Mauboy
Andrew Gurruwiwi Band – Wata Mäwi
BARKAA – Ngamaka ft. Leroy Johnson
Emily Wurramara – Lordy Lordy
King Stingray – Day Off
Radical Son – Bilambiyal
Community Clip of the Year
Bulman School & Community – “Crocodile Style”
Bulman School & Community – “My Story of Songline Mata”
Bulman School & Community – “Strong Bala Wei”
Kalkaringi School – “Gurindji Dream Big (Kuni-jungkarni)”
Mapoon Community – “Mapoon – Breathe In Breathe Out”
Warmun Community – “Turkey Creek”
Song of the Year
3% – Won’t Stop ft. Jessica Mauboy
Andrew Gurruwiwi Band – Once Upon A Time
BARKAA – Ngmaka ft. Leroy Johnson
Emily Wurramara – STFAFM
Jem Cassar-Daley – Kiss Me Like You’re Leaving
The Kid Laroi – GIRLS
LINEUP:
Troy Cassar-Daley
Jessica Mauboy
Velvet Trip
Emma Donovan
Barkaa
Kankawa Nagarra
Kobie Dee
Eleanor Jawurlngali & Mick Turner (Dirty Three)
