This year's 19th National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) brought together their finest celebration of First Nations music. Within the Darwin Amphitheatre, on Larrakia Country, Gold Coast's own Budjerah was dubbed Artist of the Year.
Amidst a slew of dazzling performances, Budjerah took to the stage for a world-class performance that captivated the crowd.
Following Yolngu stars, King Stingray's sweep of three high-profile awards, the moment came for Artist of The Year. The air pulsed with palpable energy.
After much suspense, Budjerah was honoured with the coveted Artist of the Year award, sponsored by Amazon Music.
Budjerah, a 21-year-old Coodjinburra man from the Bundjalung Nation, is a picture of perseverance. After being knocked back on The Voice in 2019, in 2020 he connected with Matt Corby who produced Budjerah's chart-topping debut single, 'Missing You.'
Budjerah's debut EP 'Budjerah (Live at Rainbow Valley)' was recorded in Matt Corby's studio and along with Corby, featured Ngaiire, Ainslie Wills, JK-47 and Stevan. In March 2021, Apple Music named Budjerah as its latest Up Next artist. Up Next is an initiative identifying and showcasing rising talent from Australia and New Zealand. At the 2021 ARIA awards, Budjerah won the Breakthrough Artist – Release ARIA Award.
In November 2021, the Gold Coast local released 'Wash My Sorrows Away,' and shortly after in April 2022, his forthcoming EP, 'Conversations,' and debut world tour. In July 2022, Budjerah released his highly-praised single 'Ready for the Sky.' Before supporting Ed Sheeran on his 2023 Australian tour.
Already in 2023, Budjerah has also released tracks like 'Therapy' and a cover of Crowded House's 'Better Be Home Soon' alongside WILSN for Mushroom Records' 50th anniversary celebration.
NIMA Creative Director Ben Graetz praised the incredible slew of talented First Nations artists that contributed to this year's NIMA ceremony, "I'm so proud of all the artists, performers, nominees and winners at this year's NIMAs. It was an exceptional night of Blak excellence."
Tune into the replay of the NIMAs on SBS on Demand, here.
