On Saturday 9 August the sounds of Country will rise once again under the open sky of Garramilla as the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) return to the Darwin Amphitheatre to celebrate 21 years of Blak excellence, resilience, and creative power.

Presented by YouTube, this year's NIMAs shine a spotlight on the stories, strength, and sonic innovation of First Nations artists from every corner of the continent. With six major award categories and an electrifying live performance lineup, the 2025 NIMAs promise to be an unforgettable evening of cultural pride and artistic brilliance.

Leading the nominations are 3%, whose ARIA-winning protest album KILL THE DEAD has been heralded as a generational anthem for justice. Proud Warnindhilyagwa singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara follows closely with her soul-stirring album NARA, which weaves deep emotion with ancient language and legacy. Also receiving four nominations are Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, whose debut Sing Your Own Song has filled festivals with joyful, saltwater-fuelled energy.

Not far behind are King Stingray and BARKAA, each with three nominations. BARKAA's raw and fearless EP BIG TIDDA continues to define her as one of Australia's most vital hip hop voices. In the running for Artist of the Year presented by YouTube are powerhouse names including Jessica Mauboy, Emma Donovan, and genre-bending storyteller Radical Son.

Among the Best New Talent nominees, the future of Blak music is on full display. From Maningrida's fierce Ripple Effect Band, who sing in multiple Arnhem Land languages, to Naarm-based rapper Miss Kaninna whose debut EP refuses to be boxed in; each act carries a unique voice and purpose. Also nominated are Tjaka, DriftingClouds, and the ever-energetic Andrew Gurruwiwi Band; all testament to the diversity and innovation emerging across community and Country.

The Community Clip of the Year category reminds us of music's power to strengthen, heal and inspire. From Kalkaringi School's anthem Gurindji Dream Big, to Mapoon Community's meditative Breathe In Breathe Out, and Warmun's vivid storytelling in Turkey Creek, these works reflect the heart and hope of our people — honouring language, land and legacy through sound and story.

Taking to the stage for this year's live performances are a lineup of legends and rising stars. From Troy Cassar-Daley and Jessica Mauboy, to Emma Donovan, Velvet Trip, Kobie Dee, Kankawa Nagarra, and Eleanor Jawurlngali with Mick Turner (Dirty Three); the 2025 NIMAs will be a sonic journey across generations and genres.

Troy Cassar-Daley, reflecting on his long connection to the Top End, said: "My connection to Larrakia Country has been a long one, first visiting over there at 21 I fell in love with the country and its people. 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."

And this year, the world will be watching. The full ceremony will be livestreamed globally via YouTube, allowing millions to tune in and experience the strength and soul of First Nations music.

Marion Goodman-Briand, from YouTube Australia & New Zealand, said the NIMAs "stand as a powerful platform, showcasing the extraordinary talent and rich narratives embedded within First Nations music".

"We extend our warmest congratulations to all the nominees… and we're honoured to amplify these voices to a global audience."

Over the past two decades, the NIMAs have grown from humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of Indigenous recognition and celebration. From iconic performances by Yothu Yindi, Dr G. Yunupingu, and Dan Sultan, to the emergence of fierce new voices like Miss Kaninna and 3%, the NIMAs continue to hold space for truth-telling, pride, and cultural excellence; across genres, generations, and lands.

As we mark 21 years of this national gathering, the message is clear: Blak music is not only surviving; it's thriving, innovating, and shaking stages from Garramilla to the globe.

Tickets are on sale now. Come and be part of history.