The 2023 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs), held at the Darwin Amphitheatre on Larrakia Country, witnessed King Stingray’s continued success as the group secured a double victory. Emerging from Northeast Arnhem Land, affectionately known as the Stingers in their local context, King Stingray claimed both the Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year awards for their track “Let’s Go,” triumphing in both of their nominated categories.
This recent achievement comes on the heels of King Stingray’s impressive performance at the 2023 AIR Awards, where they clinched three trophies. Their accolades build upon an already substantial collection that encompasses the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award, Best New Artist at the 2022 Rolling Stone Australia Awards, top honors in the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, and the 2022 Australian Music Prize.
The 2023 NIMAs also witnessed Budjerah’s triumph in the highly esteemed Artist of the Year category, enhancing his burgeoning reputation. Hailing from Fingal Head, New South Wales, this emerging singer-songwriter secured the inaugural Michael Gudinski Prize at the 2021 ARIAs. Budjerah has also previously secured Best New Artist at the 2023 RS Awards and, in 2022, earned the APRA Award for Most Performed R&B/Soul Work of the Year for his collaboration “Higher” with Matt Corby.
Adding to the event’s remarkable roster of winners, Thelma Plum from Queensland was recognized with the Album of the Year NIMA for “Meanjin.” Additionally, the Indigenous Language Award was bestowed upon traditional songman Ngulmiya for his eponymous debut album.
The evening’s standout moment featured the induction of Yothu Yindi into the NIMAs Hall of Fame, honoring their profound contributions to Indigenous and Australian music over several decades. The original lineup of the band, along with Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu, King Stingray’s lead vocalist and nephew of the late Dr M Yunupiŋu, graced the stage for a vibrant rendition of their iconic track “Treaty.”
The NIMAs, now in its 19th year, remains a remarkable initiative by the trade body MusicNT, dedicated to celebrating the epitome of First Nations music. Reflecting on the event’s success, NIMA Creative Director Ben Graetz expressed pride in the artists, performers, nominees, and winners, emphasizing the extraordinary display of “Blak excellence” that transpired throughout the night.
