Brief

Ninajirachi, Boy Soda and Keli Holiday Join NSW Music Prize Shortlist

The 2026 NSW Music Prize shortlist features nine acts, including past winners, and will be decided at a ceremony on Nov. 9.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:58:24 GMT

Billboard reported that the shortlist for the 2026 New South Wales (NSW) Music Prize was announced on Oct. 16, naming Ninajirachi, Boy Soda and Keli Holiday among the finalists.

The prize, now in its second year, offers an A$80,000 top award and two A$40,000 subsidiary prizes – one for a First Nations artist and another for a breakthrough act. The finalists also include Don West, Esha Tewari, MAY‑A, Parcels, The Rions and ZIPPORAH.

According to the announcement, the winners will be revealed at a ceremony on Nov. 9 in the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Foundation Hall in Sydney. A five‑person judging panel will decide the main award, while a three‑person First Nations panel will select the First Nations prize.

John Graham, NSW’s state minister for music and the night‑time economy, praised the finalists, saying the prize is intended to help local artists cope with cost‑of‑living pressures and competition from overseas acts.

The NSW Music Prize was launched by the Minns Labor government to fill the state’s gap in dedicated music awards. Last year’s inaugural prize was won by SPEED (main award), BARKAA (First Nations prize) and Ninajirachi (breakthrough artist).

Key facts

Ninajirachi, Boy Soda and Keli Holiday are shortlisted for the 2026 NSW Music Prize. (billboard.com)
The prize includes a A$80,000 top award and two A$40,000 subsidiary awards. (billboard.com)
The winners will be announced on Nov. 9 at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Foundation Hall in Sydney. (billboard.com)
John Graham, NSW state minister for music, commented on the shortlist. (billboard.com)
Last year’s winners were SPEED (main), BARKAA (First Nations) and Ninajirachi (breakthrough). (billboard.com)