The inaugural event was held in 2004, launched as the NT Indigenous Music Awards.
[1] Just a couple of weeks before the scheduled date of the 2021 event on 7 August, it was announced that it would be postponed until later in the year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic flaring in New South Wales.
[1] They recognise excellence, innovation and leadership among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians from throughout Australia.
[4] Radio station Triple j runs the Unearthed National Indigenous Music Awards Competition to select an emerging Indigenous artist to play at the Awards.
[5] Winners have included Dallas Woods, Thelma Plum, Baker Boy, Alice Skye, Kuren,[5] and Tilly Tjala Thomas.