National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAS) 2025 Winners

Emily Wurramara and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band werre the big winners on the night.

The 21st edition of the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) saw Emily Wurramara and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band both win two awards on a night that celebrated Indigenous music.

Presented by YouTube, the ceremony was hosted by Elanie Crombie and Ben Graetz at the Darwin Amphitheatre over the weekend (9 August) and included powerful live performances from the likes of Drifting Clouds (nominated for Best New Talent), Eleanor Jawurlngali, Kankawa Nagarra, Miss Kaninna (nominated for Best New Talent) and Emma Donovan.

The big winners on the night were Emily Wurramara and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, with Wurramara taking home the coveted Artist of the Year and Film Clip of the Year for her song ‘Lordy Lordy’ and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band walking away with Best New Talent and Song of the Year for ‘Once Upon a Time’.

It’s been an incredible 12 months for Wurramara, who became the first Indigenous woman to win the Best Adult Contemporary Album at the ARIA Awards for her album NARA. Along with being recognised with the gong, Wurramara’s NARA received high praise from critics, with the proud Warnindhilyagwa woman going on to perform in front of massive crowds across the nation on her headline tour, along with major festivals, including WOMADelaide.

The Andrew Gurruwiwi Band have emerged as one of the country’s most exciting acts. The eight-piece funk act from Arnhem Land have been applauded for their infectious live performances, with their debut album, Sing Your Own Song, one of the most underrated releases of 2024.

READ MORE: Adelaide Town Hall Hosts the South Australian Music Hall of Fame

Other winners on the night included BARKAA, who took home Album of the Year for BIG TIDDA, and Bulman School & Community, who won the Community Clip of the Year for ‘Crocodile Style’.

Jessica Mauboy was also inducted into the NIMAs Hall of Fame. The singer, songwriter and actor was recognised for her stellar career achievements and also performed her new single “While I Got Time”.

“While this year's awards recognised some amazing NT talent, it’s clear First Nations music is making waves across the country,” said Mark Smith, Executive Director of MusicNT. “2025 was a celebration of both music and message and we loved every song and story across the night.”

Check out the full list of winners here.

2025 NIMAs Winners

Artist of the Year – Emily Wurramara

Best New Talent – Andrew Gurruwiwi Band

Album of the Year – BARKAA (BIG TIDDA)

Film Clip of the Year – Emily Wurramara (Lordy Lordy)

Community Clip of the Year – Bulman School & Community (Crocodile Style)

Song of the Year – Andrew Gurruwiwi Band (Once Upon A Time)

Hall of Fame Inductee – Jessica Mauboy