From Legacy to Future: First Nations Artists Make QMA History
QMusic would like to acknowledge the extraordinary achievements of our state's First Nations artists at the 2025 Queensland Music Awards.
Image: Beddy Rays
Of the 18 category awards, 3 major awards and 4 scholarships presented, 15 First Nations artists were nominated, with 8 taking home awards.
This achievement was even greater, as two of these artists presented with Scholarships to fund capacity building and recording of their works were of Indigenous descent.
Christine Anu, a brilliant Female First Nations artist was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for her important legacy in music and for her cultural work.
And special acknowledgement to Jem Cassar-Daley, who won the Indigenous Category, and was also honoured for her 2024 Song of the Year win with the unveiling of a plaque on the Valley Walk of Fame, which is presented by Brisbane City Council.
This marks her as the fourth consecutive First Nations woman to be awarded the Queensland Music Awards Song of the Year and receive a plaque since 2021—a remarkable milestone for First Nations female artists in Australia.
It’s incredible to see so many First Nations artists celebrated by the Queensland music community.
QMusic would like to acknowledge the extraordinary work of our First Nations Music Officer Sue Ray, our First Nations board members Cameron Costello and Lydia Miller, our advising Elder Aunty Sandra King and the Goolwal Goolwal First Nations Advisory Group.
This is a powerful and inspiring story. These achievements fill us with pride, to know we are a part of such a culturally rich, artistically significant, and impactful music community.
First Nations Nominees:
• Beddy Rays
• Jem Cassar-Daley
• JUNGAJI
• Thelma Plum
• Jamiesha
• Sycco
• Troy Cassar-Daley
• Sharron Mirii Bell
• Sunny Luwe
• Cloe Terare
• Fred Leone
• Rudy Matoy
• Dizzy Doolan
• Tia Gostelow
• Miles Nautu
Major Award Winners:
• Christine Anu - Life Time Achievement Award
• Troy Cassar-Daley – Album Of The Year
Category Award Winners
• Beddy Rays – Rock Award
• Sycco – Pop Award
• JUNGAJI – World Award
• Jem Cassar-Daley – Indigenous Award
Scholarship Winners
• Rudy Matoy – Dennis ‘Mop’ Conlon Scholarship
• Miles Nautu – Billy Thorpe Scholarship
Valley Walk Of Fame
• Jem Cassar-Daley (for 2024 Song of the Year)
