The 2026 National Indigenous Music Awards ceremony held at the Darwin Amphitheater saw rapper Baker Boy take home three major honors. The artist secured the Album of the Year title for DJANDJAY. His single THICK SKIN, which features contributions from Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn, and Jada Weazel, won both Song of the Year and Film Clip of the Year.
Additional highlights from the event included Birdz and Fred Leone earning the Artist of the Year award for their EP GIRA. The night also recognized emerging talent and cultural contributions, with Drifting Clouds named Best New Talent and the Bulman School and Community receiving the Indigenous Language Award. Marlene Cummins and the Saltwater Band were inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the celebration.
MusicNT representative Mark Smith noted that the evening focused on family, culture, and the growth of Indigenous music. Performances included Baker Boy joined by Emma Donovan, along with the Red Flag Dancers, concluding with a tribute to the Hall of Fame inductees.
Baker Boy continues his trajectory in the music industry. Originally from Arnhem Land, he became known for his work in the Yolŋu Matha language. His career began in 2017 through the triple j Unearthed competition, and he has since been recognized as Young Australian of the Year in 2019 and received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021. DJANDJAY represents his second studio album following the success of his 2021 debut, Gela.