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.