Barkaa Wins Artist of the Year At The 2024 National Indigenous Music Awards

Other winners on the night included 3%, Dan Sultan and Becca Hatch.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the 2024 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) were held at the Darwin Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country/Darwin on Saturday (August 10) night.

The big winner at this year’s event was Malyangapa Barkindji rapper Barkaa, who took home the coveted Artist of the Year award. Barkaa also won a gong for Film Clip Of The Year for her track ‘We Up’, taken from her forthcoming sophomore EP, Big Tidda (pre-order/pre-save here).

Singer-songwriter Dan Sultan’s self-titled seventh album took out the award for Album Of The Year, beating out Troy Cassar-Daley, Emma Donovan, The Kid LAROI and Jessica Mauboy.

Hip hop collective 3% won Song of the Year thanks to their tune ‘Our People’, which samples The Preset’s massive 2008 hit ‘My People’.

Elsewhere rising star Becca Hatch was named New Talent Of The Year and the Community Clip of the Year was awarded to Bulman School & Community for their ‘Nidjarra’ music video.

The Indigenous Language Award was shared between Rrawun Maymuru for their song ‘Yolngu’ and Electric Fields for their tune ‘Anpuru Maau Kutjpa’.

Warumpi Band lead singer Sammy Butcher was also inducted into the NIMAs Hall of Fame.

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This year’s NIMAs were hosted by triple j hosts Karla Ranby and Nooky and featured compelling performances from a host of Indigenous artists, including Jessica Mauboy, Emily Wurramara, Miss Kaninna and 3%.

As reported by The Music, NIMA Creative Director Ben Graetz had this to say about the awards in a statement: “What an incredible night at NIMAs celebrating the 20th anniversary!

“It made me feel so proud seeing all the mob come from around the country to share in the celebrations and to honour our extraordinary musicians. A big highlight for me was the special NIMA medley and Jessica Mauboy, who also celebrates her 20 years in the music industry.”

If you missed all the action, the NIMAs are available to stream on SBS On Demand. Check out the full list of winners below.

2024 NATIONAL INDIGENOUS MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS

Artist of the Year

Barkaa

New Talent of the Year

Becca Hatch

Film Clip of the Year

Barkaa - ‘We Up’

Album of the Year

Dan Sultan - Dan Sultan

Song of the Year

3% - ‘Our People’

Community Clip of the Year

Bulman School & Community - ‘Nidjarra’

Indigenous Language Award

Electric Fields, Anpuru Maau Kutjpa & Rrawun Maymuru, Yolngu

Hall of Fame

Sammy Butcher