The National Indigenous Music Awards are on the way for 2017 and 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.

Now, triple j has revealed the winner of its NIMA Unearthed competition, which saw acts submitting their music through triple j Unearthed hoping to score the chance to perform alongside the aforementioned legends on the bill.

Taking out the honours this year is emerging rapper Baker Boy, who pricked everyone’s ears with his debut track ‘Cloud9’ ft. Kian, which saw him rapping in a combination of English and Indigenous language – a first for an artist’s debut track.

Having taken out the prize, he’ll also be joining 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, along with Leah Flanagan, Apakatjah and Numbulwar Red Flag Dancers.

Held on Saturday August 12 at the ampitheatre of Darwin’s Botanic Gardens, it’s shaping up as one of the best NIMAs yet, and you can find out more here.

YouTube VideoPlay

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