Nominations Open for 2026 NIMAs

The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) has announced its 22nd edition.

The NIMAs will return to Darwin Amphitheatre in Garamilla/Darwin on Saturday, August 8th. Tickets to the ceremony go on sale this Friday (May 22nd).

Nominations are now open, with organisers calling for submissions from across the country to crown the most exciting and groundbreaking First Nations artists.

This year's ceremony will once again feature special live performances, trophies galore, and powerful cultural conversation. The NIMAs take place amidst a week celebrating First Nations excellence, with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA’s), and National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) also taking place between August 5th-11th.

Chairperson of MusicNT Catherine Satour shares: “The National Indigenous Music Awards are a powerful celebration of First Nations music, culture and community. On behalf of MusicNT, we are proud to see the NIMAs return to Garramilla/Darwin in 2026, shining a national spotlight on the talent and leadership of Indigenous artists across the country.”

There were double wins for Emily Wurramara and Andrew Gurruwiwi Band at the 2025 NIMAs, as well as a second consecutive major award for hip-hop powerhouse BARKAA.

Wurramara was named Artist of the Year, presented by YouTube, and also took home Film Clip of the Year for her striking video “Lordy Lordy”.

The Song of the Year and Best New Talent awards both went to the Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, whose funk-driven jams, sung in Yolngu Matha, have made them festival favourites from Golden Plains to SXSW Sydney.

BARKAA claimed Album of the Year for BIG TIDDA, marking her second year in a row taking out a top prize at the NIMAs, after winning Artist of the Year in 2024.

Fans can now nominate artists across six categories: Artist of the Year, Best New Talent, Album of the Year, Film Clip of the Year, Community Clip of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Nominations close on June 19th. Nominate your favourite First Nations artists and releases from the past year here.