Arabic version: بيكر بوي وبيردز وفريد ليوني يتصدرون الفائزين بجوائز نيما

According to ABC News, Baker Boy won Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year at the 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards in Darwin, while Birdz and Fred Leone received the event’s top honour, Artist of the Year.

ARIA-winning Yolŋu hip hop artist Baker Boy, whose given name is Danzal Baker, won Album of the Year for DJANDJAY, released last year and dedicated to his Momu, or grandmother. The album moved beyond his “Fresh Prince of Arnhem Land” sound with heavier, grungier tracks that addressed the failed Voice to Parliament referendum, impostor syndrome and systemic racism.

His song THICK SKIN, featuring Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn and Jada Weazel, was awarded both Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year. Baker Boy has said his grandmother taught him to embrace vulnerability in his work.

Birdz and Butchulla Songman Fred Leone won Artist of the Year following the release of their six-track debut joint EP, GIRA, last year. The project combined Leone’s take on traditional music with hip hop sounds associated with his cousin Birdz. The pair brought Leone’s father on stage to accept the award.

Marlene Cummins and Galiwin’ku’s Saltwater Band were inducted into the NIMAs Hall of Fame, with Jessica Mauboy making a surprise appearance to present plaques. Drifting Clouds, the project of Gapuwiyak artist Terry Guyula, was named Best New Talent. Bulman School and its surrounding community won the Indigenous Language Award for LOK LOK MAH BURARR (Lizard and Goanna), while the Northern Peninsula Area received Community Clip of the Year for All The Way From The NPA.