Nominations open for 2010 Indigenous Music Awards [IMAs]
For Immediate Release “ Wed 26th May
Fast becoming known as the ARIAs of the aboriginal music scene, the Indigenous Music Awards will take place on Saturday 28th August in Darwin. Music NT calls upon anyone working in the national music industry to participate in the nomination process for the selection of Northern Territory talent at the 2010 Indigenous Music Awards.
The rich and remote musical landscape of the NT is home to hundreds of bands, and the Indigenous Music Awards bring together local acts who have yet to make their mark on the world, alongside top Territorians who have achieved international acclaim, in the presence of key industry professionals and national media. These awards continue to surprise with the breadth and depth of talent.
Now in its 7th year, the IMAs pave the way for new recording, touring and promotional opportunities for a number of NT artists, playing a significant role in the development of careers for Indigenous artists.
The 2009 winners of the Emerging Artists category, Pott Street received the highly coveted $10,000 tour prize, while major award category winners – Gurrumul and Jessica Mauboy – continue to inspire local artists back home as they both continue to make their mark on the international stage.
These awards are an important platform to increase understanding and awareness of contemporary and traditional Aboriginal music and culture. There is benefit for all Territorians as we strive to achieve economic independence for musicians as well as flow-on tourism in a region of Australia which has the highest population percentage of practitioners and music production in the country Music NT Manager, Mark Smith said.
Held under the stars at Darwin’s historic Amphitheatre, audiences from all over Australia will gather at the Indigenous Music Awards Ceremony to applaud the winners, enjoy the performances and soak up the ambiance of a night for music lovers of all ages and all cultures to enjoy.
2009 Award winner and headline act, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu surprised the crowd last year, inviting many of his family members on stage to sing alongside him as he performed his closing song. It’s rare moments like these that make this special family focused event a not-to-be-missed night on Darwin’s August calendar. [image attached]
Yothu Yindi, Gurrumul, Jessica Mauboy, 2009 Hall of Fame inductees Tableland Drifters and Arnhem Land rock-stars Saltwater Band have all won awards and performed in this magic environment. This year’s line up promises to be yet another spectacular showcase; and as usual will feature very special musical collaborations that will only be witnessed on this star-filled night.
Many members of [Gurrumul’s] family¦ flew in from Elcho Island especially for the show and joined them on stage for the finale. It was a fitting end to the awards, in which the world-dominating Gurrumul was named Act of the Year Iain Shedden, Music Writer for The Australian.
2010 Indigenous Music Awards
Saturday 28th August 2010
Darwin Botanical Gardens Amphitheatre
www.musicnt.com.au
