A strong crowd of music lovers and members of the NT music industry gathered at the Ampitheatre in the George Brown Botanic Gardens in Darwin last night for the 2015 National Indigenous Music Awards - an event that saw some incredible live performances and artists take away a range of awards recognising musical achievements, commendations and excellence in not only surging forward in the wider Australian and international industries, but also in keeping culture and traditional language alive.
For the first time in the history of the awards, two winners were named Artist of the Year, with Jessica Mauboy and Dan Sultan being announced as the recipients near the end of the night. Up against the likes of crowd favourite Briggs and Thelma Plum, the pop star and rock musician drew a mixed response on site, especially following Briggs' win of both Album of the Year (Sheplife) and Film Clip of the Year ("Bad Apples"). Thelma Plum took out Song of the Year for "How Much Does Your Love Cost?", sending a video message to the crowd from her Byron Bay pad where she's currently working on new material. Iconic musician Vic Simms and Blekbala Mujik were both inducted to the NIMAs Hall of Fame, with Simms joining The Painted Ladies shortly after for some great tunes.
Live performance highlights from the 2015 NIMAs included Gurrumul's premiere of three songs from the highly anticipated new record, The Gospel Album, East Journey and Yothu Yindi's hour-long performance of 'The Genesis Project' and Tiwi Islands six-piece B2M, who had the crowd dancing and cheering throughout. Triple J Unearthed competition winner Zane Francis was a prime example of the diversity such competitions can reveal, an entertaining and arresting debut performance from him will no doubt rank highly along those of former NIMA Unearthed comp winners, who of course include Thelma Plum, Robbie Miller and Philly.
Congratulations to the winners - full list is below!
2015 NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS - WINNERS
Artist of the Year
Jessica Mauboy
Dan Sultan
Album of the Year
Briggs - Sheplife
Song of the Year
Thelma Plum - "How Much Does Your Love Cost?"
New Talent of the Year
Philly
Cover Art of the Year
Radical Son - "Cause N Affect"
Design: Spencer Harvey & Lloyd Harvey
Film Clip of the Year
Briggs - "Bad Apples"
Produced by Heath Kerr & Josh Davis
Community Music Clip
Cairns Murri Crew - "Built to Last"
Desert Pea Media
Traditional Award
Djalu Gurruwiwi and East Journey - "Mokuy & Bonba"
Hall of Fame
Vic Simms
Blekbala Mujik
School Band of the Year
The Karungkarni Band
