West Australian Music (WAM) are excited to reveal the winners of the 2025 WAM Awards. With nominations varying from genre to craft, venues and other music businesses, the WAMIs acknowledge the outstanding achievements and ongoing dedication to Western Australia’s dynamic music ecosystem.
The 2025 winners were officially announced during this year’s Awards Night hosted at Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre. Guests were treated to four unforgettable performances by nominated artists Angie Colman, Anna Schneider, Ricky Neil Jr and Yomi Ship. Yomi Ship’s electrifying set proved to be a preview of what was to come, with two of the band members receiving a WAM Award for their respective instrumental category.
Another highlight from this year’s winners list is Walmatjarri elder, teacher and singer-songwriter Kankawa Nagarra. Following the release of her second album, Wirlmani, Kankawa won the 2024 Australian Music Prize, standing out among a nominee list that included Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Amyl and the Sniffers. A remarkable talent and inspiring role model within the local music community, she is a well-deserved recipient of the Indigenous Act of the Year award.
This year, WAM is pleased to rename the Blues Artist of the Year Award after legendary local musician Rick Steele. Rick’s son and local musician Luke Steele said the renaming of the award was a great honour that would continue to honour his father’s musical legacy.
“He was a monumental figure in the blues community. He was the common man, a storyteller with an incredible repertoire, a master harp player with an unmistakable voice that became his signature sound,” Steele said.
“He knew through song one could translate messages. From wisdom to heartbreak, laughter to humour or hope, faith and love.”
West Australian Music, CEO, Owen Whittle said “The WAM Awards give us a rare moment to reflect on the contributions of incredible individuals to music in our state. We are pleased to recognise Rick Steele’s legacy with the Blues Artist of the Year award. As a performer, mentor and father he has left an everlasting imprint on West Australian culture.”
WAM was pleased to induct Matthew De La Hunty into the WA Music Hall of Fame in recognition not just of his impact as an artist, but his work giving back to the music community in mentoring, music education and in the recording studio.
Taking home the coveted 2025 Golden WAMi Award were dual recipients Chris Wheeldon (RTRFM) and Amber Jean Hatton (Head of Music Programming & Marketing at Honky Tonk Blues/Artist Manager). This award recognises individuals whose contributions to our music scene that go above and beyond.
WAM extends our heartfelt gratitude to the City of Fremantle, Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre and Beerfarm for supporting the 2025 WAM Awards.
Congratulations to all winners and nominees.
