National Indigenous Music Awards Return For 2026

Nominations are now open across the NIMAs’ six categories ahead of the award ceremony this August.

The National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) returns for its 22nd edition this year, taking over the Darwin Amphitheatre in Garamilla/Darwin on Saturday, 8 August.

Along with the announcement of its return, nominations are now open across the NIMAs’ 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.

Voting and applying closes on Friday, 19 June—you can nominate your favourite First Nations artists and releases from the past year on the NIMA nominations website. The unmissable line-up of performers will be announced soon.

In a statement, Catherine Satour, Chairperson of MusicNT, said of the NIMAs’ return, “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.”

The NIMAs are recognised as one of the most significant nights in the national music industry calendar. They provide an essential platform to celebrate, nurture, and elevate First Nations talent and community, awarding veteran artists alongside emerging voices.

Last year, Jessica Mauboy was inducted into the NIMAs Hall of Fame while BARKAA and 3% took home awards, commemorating their reputation as some of the most in-demand new First Nations voices.

Each year, the NIMAs take place during a week that celebrates 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) all taking place between Wednesday, 5 and Tuesday, 11 August. It’s the week to spend in Darwin this year.