Miss Kaninna Creates History at 2024 ARIA Awards

Whatever the outcome of the 2024 ARIA Awards, Miss Kaninna enters the history books.

The proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali sovereign woman scoops three nominations at Wednesday night’s ARIAs, all for “Blak Britney.”

With that feat, Kaninna is confirmed by ARIA as the first Independent Aboriginal woman to be nominated for their debut single.

“We are excited to recognise a historic nomination as we head into ARIA week,” reads a statement from organisers. “Congratulations to Miss Kaninna, making history as the First Independent Aboriginal woman to be nominated for their debut single.”

Kaninna follows in the footsteps of “My Island Home” singer Christine Anu, a proud Torres Strait Islander woman who nabbed an ARIAs nomination in 1992, and Thelma Plum, a proud Gamilaraay woman who was nominated for six ARIAs in 2019, winning best cover art for her debut album Better in Blak, through major label Warner Music.

“Blak Britney”, released in May 2023 through Soul Has No Tempo, a small indie label run by a married couple, is shortlisted for best independent release, best soul/R&B release and best video (created by Miss Kaninna and Will Hamilton-Coates).

“Blak Britney” has “changed my life so much over the past year,” Kaninna says in a social post, “and I’m so grateful for all the love and support.”

That life-changing year includes a spot on Netflix series Heartbreak High S2, scoring three nominations at the Music Victoria Awards and the Corner Award 2024, winning the J Award for Unearthed artist of the year (2023), APRA Professional Development Award – NATSIMO General (2024), the Justin Cosby Music Prize – best emerging artist (2023), performing at Listen Out and SXSW, and supporting Hiatus Kaiyote and Thelma Plum.

The genre-defying rap singer-songwriter kicks off her debut national tour in Melbourne this Friday in support of her debut EP KANINNA, out now.

Next May, Kaninna will perform to the music industry at The Great Escape in Brighton, England, and before that at Yours and Owls Festival at Wollongong Foreshore and at Byron Bay Bluesfest 2025.

Dawg In Me headline tour – supported by triple j

Nov. 22 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne, Wurundjeri Country VIC w/ Soju Gang & Jamahl Yami

Nov. 23 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne, Wurundjeri Country VIC w/ Yara & G Rebel – SOLD OUT

Nov. 29 – Black Bear Lodge, Meanjin/Brisbane, Turrbal Country QLD w/ Sachém

Nov. 30 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney, Gadigal Country NSW w/ Zipporah & Jujulipps