Baker Boy Sweeps Major Awards at 2026 NIMAs!

Yolŋu rapper Baker Boy was the standout winner at the 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs), claiming three of the night’s most prestigious prizes. The ceremony, held on Saturday, August 8, at the Darwin Amphitheater, was a vibrant celebration of Indigenous music and culture. Baker Boy’s second studio album, DJANDJAY, earned him the coveted Album of the Year award. His powerful single “THICK SKIN,” which features collaborations with Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn, and Jada Weazel, was recognized with both Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year. During the event, Baker Boy captivated the audience with a live performance of “THICK SKIN,” bringing Emma Donovan on stage as a special guest.

Beyond Baker Boy’s significant achievements, other artists were also honored for their contributions. The cousin duo Birdz and Fred Leone received their inaugural NIMA, being named Artist of the Year for their impressive debut EP, GIRA. Drifting Clouds was acknowledged as Best New Talent, while Northern Peninsula Area secured the Community Clip of the Year award for their song “All The Way From The NPA.” The Indigenous Language Award was presented to Bulman School & Community for their remarkable piece “LOK LOK MAH BURARR” (Lizard & Goanna).

The evening also included special inductions into the NIMAs Hall of Fame, recognizing the enduring legacy of blues musician Marlene Cummins and Elcho Island’s Saltwater Band. The ceremony culminated with a moving tribute performance dedicated to the newly inducted Saltwater Band. Mark Smith of MusicNT praised the event, emphasizing how the celebration “brought together some of the most incredible music and musicians this country produces, showcasing the rich connection of family and culture.” He noted that the night spanned from the opening performance by the Red Flag Dancers to its closing tribute for the Hall of Fame inductees.

Danzal Baker, known professionally as Baker Boy, was born in Darwin and grew up in the Arnhem Land communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida. He is widely celebrated as the first Indigenous artist to achieve widespread mainstream success by rapping in the Yolŋu Matha language. His career breakthrough occurred in 2017 when he won triple j’s Unearthed National Indigenous Music Awards competition, leading to his singles “Cloud 9” and “Marryuna” being featured in that year’s triple j Hottest 100. His impactful work and cultural significance were further recognized when 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), garnered him five wins from seven nominations at the 2022 ARIA Awards, solidifying his position as a prominent voice in Australian music. DJANDJAY marks his second studio album.

The complete list of winners for the 2026 NIMAs is as follows:

• 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