Yolŋu hip-hop artist Danzal Baker, known as Baker Boy, won album, song, and film clip of the year at the National Indigenous Music Awards, dedicating his sophomore album Djandjay to his late grandmother. According to Guardian Australia reporting from backstage at the ceremony, Baker’s wins highlight an evolution from his 2021 debut Gela, showcasing deeper lyrical themes and a staunch visual aesthetic celebrating Blak excellence.
Baker Boy Sweeps Major Categories With Djandjay and Thick Skin
Baker secured three top honors at the ceremony, taking home album of the year for Djandjay along with song and film clip of the year for the hit single “Thick Skin.” According to Baker, the award-winning track features collaborations with Indigenous artists Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn, and Jada Weazel. The artist told Guardian Australia that he wrote the song following the voice to parliament referendum when he felt a literal brick wall in front of him and needed to speak his voice.
The accompanying music video for “Thick Skin” was filmed at the colonial-era Werribee Mansion in Victoria. According to Baker, the production aimed to flip traditional power dynamics by featuring white butlers in a setting that projects a “this is my house” vibe centered on people of colour and Blak excellence.
Honoring Family Roots and Arnhem Land Hip-Hop History
Accepting the album of the year award, Baker dedicated the honor to his late grandmother. According to Baker, she is responsible for bringing hip-hop to Arnhem Land after returning from a Los Angeles honeymoon with vinyl records and VHS tapes that inspired his father and uncle to form the 1980s dance duo the Baker Boys. Baker stated that his grandmother provided the confidence and lack of shame required to express his identity and heritage.
Birdz and Fred Leone Claim Artist of the Year
The Butchulla duo Birdz and Fred Leone won artist of the year following the 2025 release of their joint six-track EP GIRA. According to Birdz, whose real name is paired with songman Leone as cousins, growing up in Katherine fundamentally shaped and continues to inspire their creative output.
Drifting Clouds Wins Best New Talent
Yolŋu musician Drifting Clouds, performing under the name Terry Guyula, received the award for best new talent. Known for synth-driven tracks featuring Yolŋu Matha lyrics, Guyula accepted the honor alongside producer and bandmate Zac Terry, whom Guyula thanked for bringing him from the bush to the city.
Saltwater Band and Marlene Cummins Enter Hall of Fame
Marlene Cummins and the Galiwin’ku Saltwater Band were inducted into the National Indigenous Music Awards Hall of Fame, joining established acts like Jessica Mauboy and Yothu Yindi. According to Baker, who grew up listening to them on Milingimbi Island, watching Saltwater Band perform during his childhood left a lasting impression. Mauboy presented the award, praising the band’s three-decade legacy of blending traditional Yolŋu song with reggae and ska, proving that artists do not need to leave their culture behind to pursue music.
Did You Know?
Full List of National Indigenous Music Award Winners
- Artist of the year: Birdz and Fred Leone
- Best new talent: Drifting Clouds
- Album of the year: Baker Boy – Djandjay
- Song of the year: Baker Boy – “Thick Skin” (feat. Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn & Jada Weazel)
- Film clip of the year: Baker Boy – “Thick Skin” (feat. Thelma Plum, Emma Donovan, Kee’ahn & Jada Weazel)
- Community clip of the year: Northern Peninsula Area – All The Way From The NPA
- Indigenous language award: Bulman School & Community – Lok Lok Mah Burarr (Lizard & Goanna)
- Hall of fame inductions: Marlene Cummins and Saltwater Band
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won album of the year at the National Indigenous Music Awards?
Baker Boy won album of the year for his sophomore release, Djandjay.
Which artists were inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Marlene Cummins and the Saltwater Band were inducted into the National Indigenous Music Awards Hall of Fame.
Who took home the best new talent award?
Yolŋu musician Drifting Clouds, also known as Terry Guyula, won best new talent.
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