Native American Music Awards - NAMA LIVE

Native American Music Awards - NAMA LIVE Honoring The Best In Native American & Indigenous Music


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Founded and incorporated in 1998, The Native American Music Association and The Native American Music Awards (NAMA) remain the world's largest and only professional membership-based organization dedicated to music and entertainment initiatives by Native North Americans and Indigenous peoples. The Native American Music Association was established in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) following the debut of the Na

tive American Music Awards in order to promote greater cultural understanding of Native American music and culture
Native American Music Awards · Indigenous music of North America · Native American Indians · Tribal house · Pow wows The new series, Reservation Dogs, currently features many of our award winners

With the unique ability to translate stories and feelings into dynamic guitar driven soundscapes, Keanu Ienco is an Indi...
03/05/2025

With the unique ability to translate stories and feelings into dynamic guitar driven soundscapes, Keanu Ienco is an Indigenous jazz/rock artist unlike any other. During his childhood, Keanu discovered his passion for music when his mother gifted him his first guitar for his eighth birthday. At thirteen, he started playing professionally and by the age of sixteen, he had already performed live with numerous groups and received radio airplay of his original songs. Following the completion of a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies at Vancouver Island University, Keanu has been able to share the stage with industry professionals such as; Steve Vai, Delfeayo Marsalis and Rufus Reid. In 2020, Keanu's original instrumental project was born under his own name. Drawing from his authentic lived experiences as a Native American, Keanu’s music transports listeners on an emotional journey that honours his heritage while still pulling inspiration from his instrumental heroes like Steve Vai, Pat Metheny and Plini.

Born in the Island of Boriken and representing the Taino Nation from Puerto Rico, artist~ Ki Earth Spirit (aka Blanca I...
03/04/2025

Born in the Island of Boriken and representing the Taino Nation from Puerto Rico, artist~ Ki Earth Spirit (aka Blanca Iris Acuña) was first discovered by Producer Cucco Peña (Marc Anthony). She recorded her first album "Poets Ocean" with Jazz Legend and Peruvian percussionist Alex Acuña. Her second album, "The Good Red Road" was recorded with her Band The Eagle and The Raven and garnered nominations in The Native American Music Awards for Best Rock Recording and Best Rock song for "The Raven Song." Her third album "Something Sacred" was recorded with singer and indigenous legend, Quilt Sahme and award winning flutist, Jack Holland from Crazy Flute. Her fourth album, "Sweet Grass" covers important issues such as; MMIW, MMIP, Residential schools and the protection of our planet. In 2022, she Won the Hilbulb film award for best Music Video "Children of the Sun"- featuring Award winner Rapper and Songwriter Brenda G Precious.

Tiana Spotted Thunder is a Lakota recording artist hailing from the Black Hills in South Dakota. She is a vocalist of ma...
03/04/2025

Tiana Spotted Thunder is a Lakota recording artist hailing from the Black Hills in South Dakota. She is a vocalist of many genres, but specializes in singing traditional Lakota and Indigenous music such as round dance and hand game songs for various audiences across Turtle Island. Tiana also travels to pow wows as a backup singer for various drum groups, showing the full extent of pride of identity as a Lakota musician. She is nominated for Best Traditional Recording for “Wastela, Wastela”.

Janice-Marie Johnson (the leader and co-founder of A Taste of Honey®) is celebrating her 50th Golden Anniversary of “A T...
03/03/2025

Janice-Marie Johnson (the leader and co-founder of A Taste of Honey®) is celebrating her 50th Golden Anniversary of “A Taste of Honey® marking 50 years of impact in the music industry. A trailblazer, among firsts ..,Janice-Marie has become newer and older artists’ favorite “Auntie.” Janice-Marie was inducted into the Native American Music Awards ‘Hall of Fame’ and received their “Producer of the Year” award. https://www.warrenrecord.com/local-events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/1033303149n-a-taste-of-honey

Born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Terrance Jade embodies the unfiltered spirit of "Rez Life." His mu...
03/03/2025

Born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Terrance Jade embodies the unfiltered spirit of "Rez Life." His music authentically captures the essence of the struggles, triumphs, and raw realities of reservation life. Terrance continues to be inspired by his Lakota culture and language. He also works with youth to help them connect with their heritage. He has released three albums and performed at the 2019 Indigenous Peoples March in Washington, D.C.. He won his first Native American Music award in 2018 for Best Music Video. Terrance is nominated for Best Pop Recording and as producer for Juliana Brown Eyes.

Juliana Brown Eyes is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota nation. It’s certainly hard to forget Juliana when you fi...
03/02/2025

Juliana Brown Eyes is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota nation. It’s certainly hard to forget Juliana when you first meet her. Not only is she beautiful and may be recognized as one of the members of the former group, Scatter Their Own, but she’s also a trendsetter who isn’t afraid to rock her own unique style wherever she goes. With the help of renowned photographer Larry Price (Navajo), Juliana has shown her own fashion style. She was also one of the two students from Institute of American Indian Arts that was selected for an internship with Nike. Juliana is also a photographer herself and has played the Bass guitar for over 10 years. She also created a documentary on Standing Rock. She is currently nominated for her song, “Ruthless Time” produced. by Terrance Jade.

Matthew Hawk is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Cherokee County, Georgia. Hawk’s newest al...
03/02/2025

Matthew Hawk is a singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Cherokee County, Georgia. Hawk’s newest album, Magnificent One, a side project, is set to be released in early 2026 from Outpour Records. His first single from the album, Running on Empty, reached #5 on the Top 20 Christian National Charts via PlayMPE distribution. His second single, Bought by the Blood, reached #7. With an Americana, country-fried, melodic alternative rock, uplifting style reminiscent of the 1990’s, Hawk’s deep baritone vocals mixed with guitar-driven catchy tunes will inspire listeners and encourage their walk with Creator. Both Navajo and Cherokee descent (most notably related to Chief Path Killer) Hawk served the last decade in the film industry as an actor and musician, playing guitar or singing in such films as Pitch Perfect 3, The Vampire Diaries, Baker and the Beauty, American Soul, Boy Erased, A Question of Faith, and many more.

Billy Simard is an Ojibwe singer/songwriter from Canada. Billy was born and raised in Manigotagan which at the time was ...
02/16/2025

Billy Simard is an Ojibwe singer/songwriter from Canada. Billy was born and raised in Manigotagan which at the time was an isolated community on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. At the age of 13 Billy won a talent contest on a popular Winnipeg radio station. After that Billy went to a residential school in northern Manitoba then went to college. In 1980 Billy released his first LP and had songs charting across Canadian country radio. He has had dozens of songs recorded by various artists since and his new album "Pieces of Honey" is making waves across the Americana Country Music market and internationally. You can access his music on all streaming formats. Billy says he is honored to be nominated for The Native American Music Awards and the Native American Music Awards is honored to recognize Billy for his long standing career in music.

Two-Spirit, Oklahoman, Marx Cassity (Osage/Kaw) delivers inspired synth-driven electronic rock songs with Native nuances...
02/15/2025

Two-Spirit, Oklahoman, Marx Cassity (Osage/Kaw) delivers inspired synth-driven electronic rock songs with Native nuances, that speak to overcoming hardship through resilience in connection to nature, humor, community compassion, spirituality, and heritage. Called “a songwriter to be reckoned with”, Cassity also works as a trauma therapist, and in 2020 read a statistic that 33% of Native American LGBTQ+ youth had attempted su***de. While initially stunned by that number, it ended up serving as inspiration for Cassity's fourth studio album entitled 2Sacred (Two-Spirit Sacred), and the song “Somewhere” was nominated for Best Alternative Recording. Having been one of those Native q***r youth that struggled, Cassity wanted to share their story to help people feel less alone, and in service to the decolonization of sexuality and gender. www.marxcassity.com Pronouns: they/them/theirs

The music of the hip-hop artist “Blue Flamez” featuring Scott Kalama is contains fast rapping, electronic samples and l...
02/14/2025

The music of the hip-hop artist “Blue Flamez” featuring Scott Kalama is contains fast rapping, electronic samples and loops, galloping rhythms and catchy hooks. But it’s what Blue Flamez is rapping about that distinguishes his music and his roots. Scott grew up on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, where he still lives and draws upon his inspiration in songs like “Rez Life,” which won a 2016 Native American Music Award. His lyrics celebrate Native American pride while acknowledging the past trauma and current struggles of many Indigenous communities, including his own. Scott Kalama along with program Beats lyrics leaders Chaz Mortimer and Kevin Winkle, they traveled to Orbit Audio in Seattle, Washington for a music workshop and created the hit song “Rez Life” (produced by Yamio 263) with the help of Tony Ozier (Doo Doo Funk All Stars) and engineer Rick Clifford (2pac all eyez on me). After the song was complete, they decided to make a music video, in Warm Springs Reservation, surrounding nine tribes of Oregon. They soon completed the Blue Flamez Rez Life ep and submitted to the Native American Music Awards and won. Fast forward to the present with Scott “Blue Flamez” Kalama, LaRonn Katchia, and Isaac Trimble. Levi Kalama aka Kaos was also featured on the "Rez Star" album. He also produced beats on their "Rolling Stone" album. Scott Kalama is currently working on more music and prevention education workshops in his community

A vagabond and storyteller, Ryan LittleEagle is a traveling Indigenous singer-songwriter from the small town of Canyon L...
02/14/2025

A vagabond and storyteller, Ryan LittleEagle is a traveling Indigenous singer-songwriter from the small town of Canyon Lake, Texas. Though the road is his home most of the year, Littleeagle primarily calls the Black Hills of South Dakota home. Additionally, his musical prowess was recognized by the Taino Tribal Nation for his representation of the community through music. With five studio albums to his name, including his recent debut singer-songwriter album Native Americana, Ryan's musical legacy continues to evolve. Ryan LittleEagle shares his unique blend of Country/Americana music with the soothing and haunting sounds of contemporary indigenous music. With 15 years of experience and multiple awards, he is currently nominated for Best Country Recording. Ryan travels the country from the Old West across America’s Heartland to the Southern Appalachians playing over 300 shows a year. He works tirelessly to hone his craft and share a unique and intimate musical experience that connects to the human spirit between a traditional and modern world.

Vancouver-based guitarist/vocalist Blair Bellerose has declared himself “Born in the City,” a righteous declaration of i...
02/13/2025

Vancouver-based guitarist/vocalist Blair Bellerose has declared himself “Born in the City,” a righteous declaration of identity from his band, Midnight Sparrows. Hot on the heels of Rock & Roll City, Midnight Sparrows released its much anticipated follow-up, Born in the City, a six-song rocker that that will make you believe that the power of rock is as strong ever. Midnight Sparrows are the musical project of Blair Bellerose, a Métis, Cree and Dene singer/songwriter/guitarist and member of Fort McKay First Nation. Midnight Sparrows play guitar driven hard rock that combines elements of classic rock, power pop and old-school heavy metal. Nominated for Best Rock Recording, the music of Midnight Sparrows will make you believe that the magic of Rock and Roll still exists.

Phyllis Sinclair is Cree and a member of Kaweschiwasik, York Factory First Nation and was born in Churchill, Manitoba. H...
02/12/2025

Phyllis Sinclair is Cree and a member of Kaweschiwasik, York Factory First Nation and was born in Churchill, Manitoba. Her spirit name is Songkeeper Woman. Being born on the sub-arctic tundra, surrounded by the clear, icy waters of Hudson’s Bay on one side and on the other by the bountiful waters of the Churchill River, was bound to have an effect. It’s no accident that this place of wild, vibrant beauty, where only Mother Earth has scattered seeds and formed its shapes, would be the place to cultivate her wonder and curiosity. Cradled here, she would lay her head on a mossy bed of contemplative dreams that in turn would become words and notes, lines and melodies, echoing the beauty and lessons of this land and its people. Nominated for Best Music Video, her recording Songkeeper Woman features songs of empowerment and connection, resiliency and inclusivity www.phyllissinclair.com

1876 is an internationally celebrated indigenous punk rock band from Portland, Oregon, that proudly hails from the Black...
02/11/2025

1876 is an internationally celebrated indigenous punk rock band from Portland, Oregon, that proudly hails from the Blackfeet, Comanche, Northern Cheyenne, Oglala and Yakama nations. This five-member band blends punk rock with pow wow drumming. They sing in both Blackfeet and Northern Cheyenne. 1876's music aims to bring awareness to the experiences of being born Indigenous and to promote cultural and language resurgence. Mixing traditional indigenous instruments with punk rock, they have created a sound that they have dubbed “pow wow punk rock.” The 1876 discography spans three eps titled “Pow Wow Punk Rock (1 2 and 3)” as well as multiple stand alone singles, streaming anywhere you listen to music. Get your elbows greased in the pit. Hear the “sounds of ndngenous triumph” in their sing along choruses. Feel the heartbeat of their people, with every strike of their pow wow drum. “Pow wow punk rock; if you’re for it, it’s for you.”

Trent Agecoutay (Cowessess - Saulteaux) has many stories to tell. Trent has been involved in the music business since jo...
02/11/2025

Trent Agecoutay (Cowessess - Saulteaux) has many stories to tell. Trent has been involved in the music business since joining his dad’s band back in 1993. Trent watched his dad from a very young age, sit at the kitchen table and write songs. He always had a pot of coffee, a lit cigarette and an old tape recorder. Trent would hide in the next room and listen to the stories his dad would create. His love of music and storytelling would eventually inspire him to start composing his own songs. He learned to craft his skill as a musician's musician, playing dancehalls as a teen. Nominated for Best Blues Recording, Trent's mission is to use his art to express the human experience; raw, witty and unwavering.

Lelan Leecy (Itz Lil Lee), is a proud member of Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Itz Lil Lee makes music about life, humor...
02/09/2025

Lelan Leecy (Itz Lil Lee), is a proud member of Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Itz Lil Lee makes music about life, humor, and life lessons where he grew up. Using his fast rhythm and flow, he delivers punchlines and hard hitting lyrics over his own beats for a unique Minnesota sound. Lelan started his music career in 2003 at the age of 13 years old. He first learned how to make beats on a ZOOM Rhythm Trak RT-123 and turned his poetry into rap verses. From 2003-2006, he released two mixtapes titled “Notepad” and “The City Life”. He started his own beat production line in 2005 called Sota Pop Productions. In 2007, he formed a group called “7GW Crew” with other student’s at MIGIZI Communications. He performed his first show in 2008 at Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis, MN and worked along New Trendz Entertainment performing at other shows throughout the city. In 2011, he had his first big single entitled, “Frybread Booty”, which went viral on Facebook. He has produced for numerous other artists before linking up with Keith Secola which began their collaboration efforts. He produced his first solo album titled “Bawaajigan” and quickly was recognized by the music community. In 2023, he released two albums titled “Wendigo’s” produced by Von Sage and “Demons” produced by Yung Gami, from the Twin Cities. His most recent album titled, “Bimaadiziwin” and featured single “Warrior Spirit”, was produced by Keith Secola. His song “I’m Living Life” from “Bimaadiziwin” is about dealing with the loss of his big sister Corrine Taken Care Of and handling life afterward. The song “Warrior Spirit” is about what helped him deal with homelessness and what kept him going. Keith Secola is featured on the flute and the guitar giving his lyrics more feeling and a strong connection to his roots. http://www.facebook.com/itzlillee

NTG WINDWALKER (Lipan Apache) has had an impressive career, starting at the young age of 18 and evolving into a musica...
02/09/2025

NTG WINDWALKER (Lipan Apache) has had an impressive career, starting at the young age of 18 and evolving into a musical powerhouse in the industry through his independent record label NOT Records these past five years. His music style and genre are nothing short of diverse including; rap, hip-hop, trap, rock, and alternative. NTG has been nominated for Best Alternative Recording. As a creative visionary, NTG WINDWALKER not only creates music but also produces art and merchandise that showcase his artistic passions and drive. His music is known for its chill rap with rock vibes, which distinguishes him from other artists & makes his music unforgettable. He has performed live overseas in Denmark and has broken social barriers in the heart of Chihuahua Mexico. He has been featured twice on international TV in Copenhagen, Denmark and on Christiania Tv in freetown Christiania. Anywhere the wind blows he goes. Website: NTGWINDWALKER.COM

Internationally acclaimed artist Wolfsheart is a flute player and singer who honors indigenous culture through his soulf...
02/08/2025

Internationally acclaimed artist Wolfsheart is a flute player and singer who honors indigenous culture through his soulful music. A three-time Native Heart winner, a category initially inspired by the World Flute Society, Bernhard Weilguni was bestowed the name Wolfsheart by a Kalapuya Native. He has performed across Europe, Austria, South America, and the USA, captivating audiences with his unique style and heartfelt presence. Wolfsheart's 18 albums and collaborations with renowned artists like José Feliciano and his deeply emotional interpretations of Native American flutes have earned him a dedicated global following.
www.wolfsheart.eu www.youtube.com/
Wolfsheart

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The Only National Awards Show Honoring The Best In Native American Music and Entertainment. Over 150 Advisory Members and 20,000 voting members and still going strong. The depth and breath of this year’s talent is among the best in our 21 year history (we launched our inaugural show in May of 1998). Our Awards program remains the biggest and best in the world for all Native American and World Indigenous music. No other Awards program can compare. Just take a look at the extensive list of nominees in all 33 categories!

Founded and incorporated in 1998, the Native American Music Association and The Native American Music Awards (NAMA) is the world's largest and only professional membership-based organization dedicated to music initiatives by Native North Americans and Indigenous Indians. The Native American Music Association was established in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) following the debut of the Native American Music Awards in order to promote greater cultural understanding of Native American music and culture Native American Music Awards ·

THE NATIVE AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS & ASSOCIATION were born out of a need to provide greater opportunity and recognition for traditional and contemporary Native American musicians . Our inaugural awards show was the first time a Native-owned casino featured an evening of Native American Talent. We were the first to nationally recognize both Link Wray & Jesse Ed Davis into a music Hall of Fame. Our national music archive has become the world's first & largest Native American music archive in the world. We successfully proposed the first new category for Native American music in the Grammys in 2000 which has since become a Regional Roots music category. Today, the Native American Music Association (NAMA) has grown to become the country’s leading source for preserving and promoting the songs of American Indians from all four directions.

Native American Music Hall of Fame Indigenous music of North America · Native American Indians · Tribal house · Pow wows · Native American Church · Flute Music · Folk · Rock · Blues · Hip Hop · Instrumental