Kamilaroi rap sensation, The Kid Laroi cleaned up at the 2021 National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) last night, taking home Artist of the Year.
In 2018, we saw The Kid Laroi first break out as a finalist in triple j’s Unearthed High competition. It was all up from there; a mentorship with the late Juice Wrld saw him signed to Grade A Productions in 2019, and over this last year, he’s collaborated with some of the biggest pop stars in the world. It’s safe to say it’s been a pretty massive couple of years for the emo pop-rap superstar.
After the release of his latest album, Fuck Love (Savage), The Kid Laroi became the youngest solo artist to have a number one on the ARIA charts. He then went on to perform his international mega-hit Stay with Justin Bieber at the MTV VMA’s, and now, back home, he’s received the coveted Artist of the Year award at the 2021 NIMAs.
Hosted by proud Yuin rapper Nooky and triple j presenter royalty Karla Ranby, 2021’s reimagined NIMAs were a celebration of the year in First Nations music, and what a year it’s been. Along with The Kid Laroi, there were a number of other huge names sweeping through and winning big last night.
Bundjalung rapper, JK-47 took home Album of the Year for his striking debut LP Made For This. Intense and honest, Made For This explores the jarring but ever-important topics of colonialism, intergenerational trauma, and racism.
Yolŋu hip-hop legend, Baker Boy won Film Clip of the Year for his single Ride. Baker Boy’s first collab with his cousin Yirrmal since 2017, the Ride video is bustling with energy and a vibrancy that fills you with life.
Song of the Year was awarded to Aṉangu/Torres Strait Islander neo-soul artist Miiesha for her powerfully personal Damaged. Other winners included Coodjinburra musician Budjerah for Best New Talent of the Year, and Guwanbal Gurruwiwi and Netanela Mizrahi’s The Djari Project for ‘ndigenous Language Award of the Year.
Check out the full list of winners below.
2021 NIMA Winners
Artist of the Year: The Kid Laroi
Song of the Year: Miiesha – Damaged
Film Clip of the Year: Baker Boy – Ride
Best New Talent of the Year: Budjerah
Indigenous Language Award of the Year: Guwanbal Gurruwiwi and Netanela Mizrahi – The Djari Project
Community Clip of the Year: Kakadu Collective and Victor Rostron – Mayali
