A Night of Indigenous Celebration in Darwin
On Saturday, August 8, 2026, the city of Darwin in northern Australia hosted a historic edition of the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs). This event recognizes the achievements and excellence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians. This year, Yolngu hip-hop artist Baker Boy emerged as the big winner.
Danzal Baker, known artistically as Baker Boy, took home three of the most prestigious awards: Album of the Year for Djandjay, Song of the Year, and Video Clip of the Year for Thick Skin, a powerful collaboration with Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn, and Jada Weazel.
The Meaning Behind Djandjay
Baker Boy's second album is not just a musical project but a profound tribute to his grandmother, Djandjay. She was the family matriarch who introduced hip-hop to Arnhem Land after a honeymoon trip to Los Angeles in the 1980s, returning with hip-hop vinyl records and VHS tapes. Djandjay is also the name of a Yolngu octopus spirit that guides souls. This is exactly the spirit Baker aims to project, guiding audiences toward new forms of art and cultural expression.
Thick Skin: A Message of Resistance
The award-winning song Thick Skin was written following the Voice to Parliament referendum in Australia. According to the artist in an interview with The Guardian in October 2025, the track was a response to the dark energy he felt in the country, creating music to give courage and confidence to people like me, to walk with our chins up and chests out. The music video was filmed at the colonial Werribee Mansion in Victoria, carrying a clear message of empowerment and Blak excellence.
Other Major Winners of the 2026 NIMAs
- Artist of the Year: Birdz and Fred Leone (Butchulla duo for their EP Gira)
- Best New Talent: Drifting Clouds (Terry Guyula, Yolngu musician)
- Community Clip of the Year: Northern Peninsula Area - All The Way From The NPA
- Indigenous Language Award: Bulman School & Community - Lok Lok Mah Burarr
- Hall of Fame: Marlene Cummins and Saltwater Band