The night’s big talking point was of course Mojo Juju, who managed to snag the NIMA for both Album of the Year and Song of the Year for the album’s impassioned title track, ‘Native Tongue’. It’s an absolute ripper of a track which sees Juju lyrically navigate the dichotomy of her Indigenous and Filipino heritage, and it’s got one of the best music videos Australia’s churned out in a long time to boot. Needless to say, we reckon it’s a pretty deserving win.
Other big winners across the night included breakout hip-hop sensation and Young Australian Of The Year Baker Boy, who won the National Indigneous Music Award for Artist of the Year after experiencing an absolute whirlwind of an 18 month stint in the limelight. Briggs also copped a nod for Film Clip Of The Year for his track ‘Life Is Beautiful,’ while rising soul star Kaiit was awarded with the NIMA for New Talent Of The Year.
The ceremony also saw the launch of the Archie Roach Foundation’s Award to recognise an emerging Northern Territory artist and assist them with mentoring and financial imbursements, as well as performances from the likes of Dan Sultan, Electric Fields, Jess Mauboy, Spinifex Gum, Tasman Keith and more. Check out all the winner below.
2019 National Indigenous Music Awards Winners
Artist of the Year – Baker Boy
Album of the Year – Mojo Juju, Native Tongue
New Talent of the Year – Kaiit
Film Clip of the Year – Briggs, ‘Life Is Incredible’ (Directed by Dylan River)
Community Clip Of The Year – Deni Mob, ‘State Of The Heart’
Hall of Fame Inductees – Tiddas, Wilma Reading
Archie Roach Foundation Award – Mambali
Head to the National Indigenous Music Awards website for more information.
