The Original and still the best
Contentious hit song January 26 wins NIMA’s top gong at Darwin Amphitheatre
DYNAMIC duo A.B. Original’s contentious song January
26, has won NIMA’s top gong at Darwin Amphitheatre.
The song, which questions moving Australia Day to a different date because of its connections with European settlement, and was a collaboration with Dan Sultan, was also recognised with the film clip of the year at the prestigious awards.
Held at the Darwin Amphitheatre last night, hundreds attended the awards, which were a celebration showcasing the rich musical landscape of Aus- tralia and highlighting the music coming from all corners of the country.
Veteran country and western singer Troy Cassar-Daley took home the coveted Artist of the Year trophy as well as album of the year for Things I
Carry Around, adding to his Golden Guitar win earlier in the year and the Country Music Awards Roll of Renown.
“Things I Carry Around is one of the most personal things I’ve ever made and talking about my family in depth like that and my culture as well was vitally important to what the album meant,” CassarDaley said.
New Talent of the Year went to Electric Fields, who proved the award was well deserved when they performed.
The category was highly contested and nominees Emily Wurramara and Apakatjah, as well as last year’s new talent winner Gawurra, also performed.
The winner of triple j’s Unearthed High indigenous award was Rebecca Hatch.
Traditional Music Awards were awarded to the Numbulwar community’s Numburindi Festival 2016, Numbulwar’s Mardayin Skin Ceremony 2016 and the Wangga Complete CD set.
Best Community Video Clip went to the Halls Creek indigenous hip-hop project’s Save Our Water (Ngaba).
Many people performed throughout the night, including triple j Unearthed winner Baker Boy.
Special guest Paul Kelly joined A.B. Original and Dan Sultan for a version of Dumb Things.
The group also performed winning number January 26.
The night ended with a tribute to Dr. G Yunupingu, one of the world’s most famous indigenous musicians who died last month, including speeches and musical tributes recognising the life of the NIMA’s most awarded artist.
A CD compilation of the music from this year’s award winners, nominees and other artists including Jessica Mauboy, Busby Marou and Leah Flanagan is now on sale.
“My culture was vitally important to the album” TROY CASSAR- DALEY