News edition for 8 August 2026. Added to Nungya on 22 October 2026 as part of our retrospective news archive. Reporting reflects information available by the edition date.

Reggae, hip hop, soul and music carrying language and Country all have a place in the National Indigenous Music Awards’ 2026 program. The ceremony is scheduled for tonight, 8 August, at Darwin Amphitheatre.

The official nominees announcement puts Birdz and Fred Leone among the leading contenders, with four nominations including their album GIRA. Artist of the Year nominees also include Baker Boy, Bumpy, Jem Cassar-Daley, Miss Kaninna, South Summit and 3%.

The emerging-talent category ranges from Drifting Clouds to Inkabee, Jet Cameron, Say True God?, Voices of Resistance and Zipporah. Meanwhile, the community clip category gives a national platform to music and storytelling made with communities and schools.

That last category is a reminder that a music culture includes much more than commercially released albums. A shared video can carry local voices, language, humour, pride and messages chosen by its makers.

The announced live program includes Baker Boy, Electric Fields, Stiff Gins, Bumpy, Casii Williams, South Summit and Zipporah. This edition draws on the published nominees and program; the awards results will need to be checked separately.

Explore the official NIMAs announcement to discover the artists, songs and community clips.