Baker Boy was the dominant winner at the 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards, taking home three of the night’s top prizes at a ceremony held Saturday (Aug. 8) at the Darwin Amphitheater.
The Yolŋu rapper won Album of the Year for DJANDJAY, while his single “THICK SKIN” — featuring Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn and Jada Weazel — claimed both Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year. Baker Boy performed the track live at the ceremony, bringing out Donovan as a surprise guest.
Cousin duo Birdz and Fred Leone won Artist of the Year, their first NIMA, on the strength of their debut EP GIRA. Drifting Clouds took Best New Talent, Northern Peninsula Area won Community Clip of the Year for “All The Way From The NPA,” and Bulman School & Community earned the Indigenous Language Award for “LOK LOK MAH BURARR” (Lizard & Goanna). As previously announced, blues musician Marlene Cummins and Elcho Island’s Saltwater Band were inducted into the NIMAs Hall of Fame, with the night closing on a tribute to the band.
“Last night’s celebration brought together some of the most incredible music and musicians this country produces, showcasing the rich connection of family and culture,” MusicNT’s Mark Smith said, noting the evening ran “from the Red Flag Dancers opening to closing the night honouring our newest Hall of Fame inductees, Saltwater Band.”
Born Danzal Baker in Darwin and raised in the Arnhem Land communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida, Baker Boy is widely regarded as the first Indigenous artist to achieve mainstream success rapping in the Yolŋu Matha language. He broke through in 2017 after winning triple j’s Unearthed National Indigenous Music Awards competition, with his singles “Cloud 9” and “Marryuna” both landing in that year’s triple j Hottest 100. He was named Young Australian of the Year in 2019 and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021. His debut album Gela (2021) earned him five wins from seven nominations at the 2022 ARIA Awards. DJANDJAY is his second studio album.
2026 NIMAs — Full Winners List
Artist of the Year: Birdz and Fred Leone
Best New Talent: Drifting Clouds
Album of the Year: Baker Boy — DJANDJAY
Song of the Year: Baker Boy — “THICK SKIN” feat. Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn & Jada Weazel
Film Clip of the Year: Baker Boy — “THICK SKIN” feat. Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn & Jada Weazel
Community Clip of the Year: Northern Peninsula Area — “All The Way From The NPA”
Indigenous Language Award: Bulman School & Community — “LOK LOK MAH BURARR” (Lizard & Goanna)
Hall of Fame: Marlene Cummins, Saltwater Band
