Ninajirachi, Boy Soda, Keli Holiday Shortlisted For 2026 NSW Music Prize
Ninajirachi, Boy Soda, Speed and Keli Holiday are among the acts shortlisted for the 2026 New South Wales Music Prize, which recognises releases with significant impact. The awards aim to support local musicians facing cost-of-living pressures and competition from overseas artists on streaming platforms.
The main prize is worth A$80,000, while the First Nations music and breakthrough artist awards each carry A$40,000. Other main-prize finalists include Don West, Esha Tewari, MAY-A, Parcels, The Rions and ZIPPORAH. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 9 November at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art; last year, SPEED, BARKAA and Ninajirachi won the three categories.
- Ninajirachi, Boy Soda, Speed and Keli Holiday are main-prize finalists.
- The top award carries A$80,000.
- Winners will be announced in Sydney on 9 November.
New here? Start with this
The New South Wales Music Prize recognises music releases that have made a significant impact. It is intended to support musicians based in the state, where local artists compete for listeners with international acts on streaming services and face rising costs.
The awards include a main prize and separate categories for First Nations music and breakthrough artists. The prize money ranges from A$40,000 to A$80,000, making the awards a source of financial support as well as recognition for musicians.