It was a night of glam frocks, black rock and turning back the clock at the 8th National Indigenous Music, Sport, Entertainment & Community Awards (“˜the Deadlys’), held this evening at the Sydney Opera House.
Celebrities were in abundance at Indigenous Australia’s night of nights, with Shakaya, Anthony Mundine, Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, Troy Cassar-Daley, David Peachey, Jade North, Rhoda Roberts, Kyle Vander-Kuyp, Leah Purcell, Archie Roach, Frances Rings, Ernie Dingo, Bo De La Cruz, Jimmy Little and Preston Campbell all stepping out to mingle with the 600-plus audience, and ” in some cases ” pick up Deadlys.
The awards ceremony and concert got underway with legendary rocker Vic Simms and the Solid Vibe Dancers (from NAISDA Dance College) letting loose with a show-stopping rendition of AC/DC’s “School Days”. And that was just the beginning!
Interspersed between the 20 awards bestowed on a variety of musicians, bands, sportspeople, actors, entertainers and community achievers, were performances by Toni Janke, Shakaya and George Rrurrambu (ex-Warumpi Band).
The most unlikely number of the evening came in the form of a “˜turn-back-the-clock’ tribute to the late Elvis Presley, featuring Leah Purcell, Emma Donovan (ex-Stiff Gins), Ursula Yovich and host Michael Tuahine.
Once again the after-party, held this year at the Opera Bar, was the place to be after the Deadlys. Opening with the sophisticated sounds of jazz vocalist Liz Cavanagh and her band, the post-event bash was a chance for autograph hunters to fill pages, and for winners to show off their “˜Deadly’ rings (trophies are so passé), designed by Jules Collins.
For fans of vocal group Tiddas there was a rare treat, with Lou Bennett and Amy Saunders performing in their new line-up, the Bloody Marys. Stepping away from their traditional sound, the trio brought the after-party to a climax with their version of Marvin Gaye’s classic hit, “What’s Going On”. Too Deadly!
Then it was time to get down to more urban sounds as South West Syndicate, MC Wire and host Brothablack commandeered a late-night helping of R&B and hip-hop treats. And the dance floor was creaking! DJs Nick Toth and Goldfinger finished off the proceedings.
Most Promising New Talent
Shakaya
Single Release Of The Year
Stop Calling Me ” Shakaya
Excellence In Football
Andrew Mcleod
Band Of The Year
Shakaya
Country Artist Of The Year
Jimmy Little
Excellence In Entertainment
Mary G
Aboriginal Broadcaster Of The Year
Lloyd Wyles/4k1g Fm
Most Promising New Talent In Sport
Jade North
Female Sportsperson Of The Year
Bo De La Cruz
Outstanding Achievement In Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health
Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council Inc (Kamsci)
Outstanding Achievement In Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education
The Murri School
Music Video Of The Year
“Sublime” ” Shakaya
Excellence In Film Or Theatrical Score
Skin ” David Page And Steve Francis
Male Actor Of The Year
David Gulpilil
Female Actor Of The Year
Everlyn Sampi
Male Sportsperson Of The Year
David Peachey
Male Artist Of The Year
Archie Roach
Female Artist Of The Year
Toni Janke
Album Release Of The Year
Sensual Being ” Archie Roach
Outstanding Contribution To Aboriginal Music
Candy Williams
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