Australia's finest Indigenous musicians will be recognised at this year's National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs), with a number of exciting Territory artists being put under the spotlight.
The awards recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and are held annually in Darwin. This year, 22 Indigenous artists and bands have been named finalists across six categories.
Arnhem Land's Wildfire Manwurrk are up for New Talent of the Year, Film Clip of the Year and Community Clip of the Year, bringing together thrashing guitars, traditional songlines from ancient times, and the stories they face in a world of culture, chaos and change.
They are joined as finalists by fellow Northern Territory talents Jessica Mauboy, King Stingray, Yirrmal, Utju Community, Ngulmiya, Lil Youngins, Marlon & Rulla, Garrthalala Community, and Indigenous Outreach Projects with Gunyangara, Yirrkala & Dhalinbuy, NT ft. Yirrmal.
ARIA-winning singer-songwriter Budjerah will perform at the NIMAs, and is up for Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year while Thelma Plum and Barkaa will also be performing.
The NIMAs, which are supported by Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company, take place at Darwin Amphitheatre on Saturday, 12 August as part of the Darwin Festival program. To purchase tickets head to [http://www.darwinfestival.org.au]
Quotes from Minister for Major Events, Paul Kirby:
"The National Indigenous Music Awards draw the very best of Australia's talented Indigenous artists to the Top End, where we get to celebrate them alongside the Territory's homegrown talent.
"The NIMAs continue to grow each year, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to see some of the top Indigenous performers in the country on stage under a star-filled Territory sky.
"The NIMAs form part of a bumper week of events showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, Country to Couture and National Indigenous Fashion Awards also on. The Territory is the place to be when it comes to recognising and celebrating First Nations talent."
Quotes from Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Chansey Paech:
"Northern Territory musicians are holding their own in the line-up of fine talent shortlisted for the NIMAs this year, representing nearly half the finalists.
"We have fantastic Aboriginal musical talent across the Territory that contributes to a dynamic music industry which is integral to the health, wellbeing, and vitality of our communities.
"The stage is set for an incredible night of entertainment and celebration, and I'm looking forward to being a part of it all."
Northern Territory Government
