2025 NIMAs: Finalists and Live Acts Announced

The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) has revealed its 2025 nominees and a packed lineup of live performances for this year’s ceremony.

The 2025 NIMAs, presented by YouTube, will take place at Darwin Amphitheatre on 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.

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)