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You learn to expect the unexpected as a journalist. But receiving a personal serenade from the voice of Jessica Mauboy when you pop into an afternoon Zoom call isn’t on the list of likely scenarios.
First shock. Then appreciation. Then you just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Much like her effortless vocal riffs, Mauboy is a joy to behold. Even through a screen, she radiates kindness and warmth. The musician credits her upbringing in the Northern Territory as one of the reasons she’s remained so grounded, even after a music career that’s spanned more than 20 years.
Mauboy is the newest inductee into the National Indigenous Music Awards Hall of Fame, a place reserved for First Nations artists who have had a longstanding and significant impact on the industry.
The annual NIMA ceremony has been a celebration of First Nations music in Australia for more than two decades. Award recipients in 2024 included Malyangapa Barkindji rapper Barkaa and hip-hop collective 3%. Other recent winners include Baker Boy, Thelma Plum and King Stingray.
Mauboy speaks fondly of the event, held in her hometown of Darwin. She remembers being in the mosh pit as a 10-year-old, dancing to the music of Yothu Yindi. Looking back as an adult, she says she is grateful that she experienced culture, community and advocacy through song.
