The National Indigenous Music Awards have scored an absolutely killer lineup this year, with the announcement that the duo behind one of 2016’s best records, A.B. Original, will be leading the charge, alongside songwriter and frequent collaborator Dan Sultan, and icon Paul Kelly.

They’ll also be joined by some of the country’s most promising Indigenous talent in the Queensland Music Award-winning vocalist Emily Wurramara, 2016 NIMA winner Gawurra, and Adelaide electronic duo Electric Fields.

Leah Flanagan, Apakatjah and Numbulwar Red Flag Dancers round out the bill, and it’s understandable that Music NT are pretty excited about this year’s event.

“We are excited to announce this year’s line-up that brings together some of the country’s leading acts as well as some exciting new talent,” says Executive Director Mark Smith. “Securing A.B. Original, with Dan Sultan, and Paul Kelly is a major coup for the event and for Darwin, and we can’t wait to see them up on stage with some of the most exciting talent in the country.”

Held on Saturday August 12 at the ampitheatre of Darwin’s Botanic Gardens, nominations for the awards are still open for the 14th edition of the annual NIMAs, and with a lineup this good, it’ll no doubt be one of the best yet.

Paul Kelly and A.B. Original famously gave a brilliant, transformative rendition of Paul Kelly’s ‘Dumb Things’ on triple j Like A Version last year, and we’d be crossing our fingers to catch this one again in Darwin this August.

YouTube VideoPlay

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine