Best Album Award
This Award is open to an individual artist or band across all genres. It recognises the musicianship, originality, message, production values, and the overall listening experience for the audience.
Winner:
Gawurra – Ratja Yaliyali (CAAMA)
Ratja Yaliyali ('Vine of Love') takes its title and focus from a Yolngu songline from Gawurra's country of Milingimbi Island. It is suggestive of the totemic plants, animals, and natural rhythms from Gawurra’s homelands. In "Guwak (Little Black Bird)", you can hear Gawurra's repeating vocal refrain recalling the chirrup of the titular bird. All songs are in Gupapuyngu language.