Nominations are now open for the 2008 NT Indigenous Music Awards recognising excellence, dedication, innovation and outstanding contribution to the Music Industry by Territory musicians.

Local residents who work within any area of the NT Music Industry are invited to nominate acts for the awards.

Hosted by Music NT Inc, the Awards acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the Territory’s Aboriginal music performers, both in contemporary and traditional genres.

Now in its fifth year, the annual ceremony and concert is itself a prestigious showcase of local talent attracting an increasing number of key national industry professionals. The Awards platform has led to new recording and touring opportunities for a number of NT artists.

Last year, Darwin local Leah Flanagan took out the Emerging Act of the Year and with that won the inaugural G.R Burarrawanga Scholarship which honours the memory of the Warumpi Band leadsinger with a presentation and promotional package worth $5,000. Peter Noble, promoter of the Byron Bay Blues Festival, was quick to act on the Awards night and added Leah to the Festival’s 2007 line up.

“With the highest population percentage of practitioners and music production in the country, local musicians are continuing the national and international success attained by legendary NT Indigenous acts such as Warumpi Band and Yothu Yindi,” Music NT Manager Mark Smith said.

“This is good for all of us. An increased understanding and awareness of Indigenous contemporary and traditional music and culture, especially on the world stage, leads to benefits for all Territorians – economic independence for Indigenous musicians as well as flow - on benefits from tourism.”

The 2008 NT Indigenous Music Awards will take place on Saturday 30th August at the Botanical Gardens Amphitheatre as a key event within the Darwin Festival.

The 2008 award categories are:

• Act of the Year
• Album of the Year
• Emerging Act of the Year
• Song of the Year
• DVD/Film Clip of the Year
• Artwork & Design of the Year
• School Band of the Year
• Traditional Music Award
• Hall of Fame (Central)
• Hall of Fame (Top End)

Nomination forms are available from the Music NT website www.musicnt.com.au, in person from the Music NT office at 12 Smith St, Darwin or via email ntima@agentur.com.au