Toni Watson, known by her stage name Tones And I, has been announced as one of the finalists for the 2023 Australian Women In Music Awards (AWMAs). Tones And I gained worldwide fame with her hit song “Dance Monkey” and has set numerous records in the music industry.
In the songwriter category, Watson will be competing against Tanya Batt and Sarah McLeod, the lead singer of The Superjesus. This award recognizes exceptional female songwriters and composers.
Other notable artists nominated for this year’s AWMAs include Kate Ceberano, a former ARIA Award winner for best female artist, who is a finalist for the lifetime achievement award. This category also features Jeannie Lewis and Clare Moore.
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The artistic excellence award will see pop artist Jessica Mauboy going up against Beccy Cole and Vika & Linda. This award celebrates exceptional creative achievement by female artists and musicians across various genres.
The Australian Women In Music Awards were established in 2018 to honor and acknowledge the contributions of women in all areas of the music industry. This includes performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, technicians, leaders, elders, filmmakers, photographers, music journalists, and more.
One of the categories introduced this year is the ARIA executive leader game changer award. The award honors an executive leader who has made a remarkable impact, fostering gender equality in the Australian music industry. The award is open to CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CMOs, MDs, or GMs.
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The AWMAs and conference program will take place on September 27 in Brisbane, the designated city for the 2032 Olympic Games. The event will be broadcasted by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The winners of the twenty AWMAs will be determined by a jury consisting of 37 members representing diverse music disciplines and cultures.
The 2023 AWMAs and conference program are supported by the Queensland government, as well as corporate, industry, and community partners.
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The event not only celebrates the most innovative and visionary women in Australian music but also aims to promote gender equality and diversity, including the voices of First Nations women. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk emphasizes the importance of investing in arts, culture, and creativity to shape the future of the music industry.
The AWMAs are organized by the not-for-profit organization Charity Cicada International Ltd and are led by executive producer and program director Vicki Gordon. The initiative aims to raise awareness and advocate for equitable access, safety, and recognition for women in the Australian music industry. Gender equity remains an ongoing goal, and the industry must continue to work towards it.
