The short version
- Baker Boy won album, song, and film clip of the year for his project Djandjay, dedicating the success to his grandmother who introduced hip-hop to Arnhem Land.
- Butchulla cousins Birdz and Fred Leone received artist of the year honors following their collaborative EP release in 2025.
- Drifting Clouds was named best new talent for his synth-driven work featuring Yolŋu Matha lyrics, while Saltwater Band joined the Hall of Fame.
Baker Boy claimed the most prestigious honors at the 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards, taking home titles for album, song, and film clip of the year. The Yolŋu hip-hop artist, whose legal name is Danzal Baker, used the platform to highlight the personal significance of his sophomore record, Djandjay. The project represents a distinct shift from his 2021 debut, Gela, offering heavier production and more complex lyrical structures that reflect his evolving artistic identity.
Central to the evening was Baker’s tribute to his late grandmother, for whom the album is named. He credited her with bringing hip-hop culture to Arnhem Land after she returned from a honeymoon in Los Angeles with vinyl records and video tapes. These materials inspired his father and uncle to form the 1980s dance duo the Baker Boys. Baker stated that her influence gave him the confidence to express his identity and heritage without shame, framing the awards as a continuation of her legacy.
The hit single Thick Skin, which won both song and film clip of the year, features collaborations with Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn, and Jada Weazel. Baker explained that he wrote the track during the period surrounding the voice to parliament referendum, describing a sense of urgency to speak out against perceived barriers. The accompanying music video was filmed at Werribee Mansion in Victoria, a colonial-era estate. Baker noted that filming there allowed him to reclaim authority within a historical space, featuring people of color and Indigenous excellence while subverting traditional power dynamics through the presence of white butlers.
In addition to Baker’s success, the Butchulla duo Birdz and Fred Leone were named artist of the year. The cousins, who combine rap and traditional songman roles, released a six-track EP titled GIRA in 2025. Birdz acknowledged the formative influence of the Northern Territory on his career during his acceptance speech, expressing gratitude for the region’s ongoing inspiration. Their win highlights the growing prominence of collaborative projects that bridge contemporary genres with cultural traditions.
Yolŋu musician Drifting Clouds, known professionally as Terry Guyula, received the best new talent award. His work is characterized by synth-driven tracks that incorporate Yolŋu Matha lyrics. Guyula accepted the honor alongside his producer and bandmate Zac Terry, thanking him for facilitating his transition from rural communities to urban music scenes. This recognition underscores the diversity of sounds emerging from Indigenous artists, extending beyond hip-hop into electronic and experimental territories.
The ceremony also featured Hall of Fame inductions for Guguyelandji and Woppaburra jazz and blues musician Marlene Cummins and the Galiwin’ku-based Saltwater Band. Jessica Mauboy presented the award to Saltwater Band, praising their three-decade history of blending traditional Yolŋu song with reggae, ska, and contemporary styles. Mauboy emphasized that the band demonstrated how artists could pursue modern dreams without abandoning their cultural roots, a sentiment echoed by Baker, who recalled dancing to their performances on Milingimbi Island as a child.
Other notable winners included Northern Peninsula Area for community clip of the year with All The Way From The NPA, and Bulman School & Community for the Indigenous language award with Lok Lok Mah Burarr. These categories highlight the importance of local community engagement and language preservation within the broader music industry. The awards serve as a platform not only for individual artistic achievement but also for collective cultural expression and educational initiatives.
The event took place in Darwin, showcasing the Northern Territory’s central role in Australia’s Indigenous arts landscape. While Baker Boy’s dominance marked a significant moment for hip-hop, the variety of winners illustrated the genre’s breadth and the industry’s commitment to honoring diverse voices. From jazz legends to new synth talents, the 2026 awards reflected a vibrant ecosystem where tradition and innovation coexist, driven by artists who view their cultural heritage as integral to their creative output.
Looking ahead, the success of Djandjay positions Baker Boy for increased international visibility, while the recognition of emerging acts like Drifting Clouds suggests a shifting demographic in Indigenous music leadership. The Hall of Fame inductions further cement the historical continuity of these contributions, linking past pioneers with current innovators. As the industry continues to evolve, these awards provide a critical snapshot of how Indigenous artists are navigating contemporary platforms while maintaining deep connections to their communities and histories.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗National Indigenous Music awards 2026: Baker Boy wins big, including album and song of the year
