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Indigenous artists recognised at Queensland Music Awards

Joseph Guenzler Published April 23, 2026 at 2.45pm (AWST)

Indigenous artists claimed seven wins across numerous genres at the 2026 Queensland Music Awards. (Image: Instagram)

Indigenous artists were among the standout winners at the 2026 Queensland Music Awards, with seven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists recognised across major categories, industry awards and scholarships.

Presented by QMusic at Miami Marketta on the Gold Coast, the annual awards celebrate Queensland's brightest artists, institutions and songs, with winners selected by more than 100 Australian and international music industry professionals.

Jem Cassar-Daley led the Indigenous winners, taking out both the Pop Award for 'Kiss Me Like You're Leaving' and Song of the Year, while Say True God? won Hip Hop for 'COUNT US IN'.

BADASSMUTHA won Soul/Funk/RnB for 'BUB', Loki Liddle shared Music Video of the Year for 'Breaking Into Heaven - Selve', JUNGAJI was named Indigenous Artist of the Year, Djawarray won Regional Artist of the Year and Dubbzone received the Dennis Mop Conlon Scholarship.

*Say True God? performs 'COUNT US IN' at the QMAS. (Image: Lachlan Douglas)*

Say True God? said the win was his first formal recognition in music.

"It feels weird in a way because that's my first ever acknowledgement in music," he said.

"I've been doing this for a while but I am still an emerging artist.

"Now it's in cement and no can say I didn't do it, it's a mad feeling."

He said the recognition also reflected the support he had built through community connections.

"Getting the recognition - it feels really good," Say True God? said.

"From releasing Blak until now, it's all about relationship building and being a face in the community.

"I really feel like the mob are behind me because of that - it's like building a family."

*Jem Cassar-Daley took home two awards during the evening. (Image: Lachlan Douglas)*

BADASSMUTHA used her win to acknowledge the strong women in the community.

"I dedicate this one to all of the First Nations matriarchs, they are the back bone of our community," BADASSMUTHA said.

"They show up consistently, show their support for family and friends - this one is for them."

*BADASSMUTHA accepts her Soul/Funk/RnB Award. (Image: Lachlan Douglas)*

The awards remain a statewide search for Queensland's best new music and have recognised more than 13,700 songs since launching in 2006 under the former QSong name.

The success of mob reflects the continued rise and influence of Indigenous artists across Queensland's music industry, with Indigenous voices gaining recognition across an increasing number of genres and major awards.

2026 Queensland Music Awards winners

Blues/Roots - Lontano, "Way Too Long"

Children's Music - Joff Bush, "I Don't Have a Chimney" (ft. Emma Dean)

Contemporary Classical - Abigail Lui & Camerata, "Memory in the Distant Hills"

Country - Tori Darke, "Remember Me Like That"

Electronic - Young Franco, "Lose Control"

Folk - The Dreggs, "We Don't Talk"

Heavy - Upsetter, "Best Years of My Life"

Hip Hop - Say True God?, "COUNT US IN"

Jazz - Dami Im, "Bubble"

Music for Screen - Georgia D'Arcy, "Creek"

Music Video of the Year - Loki Liddle & Joshua Tate, "Breaking Into Heaven - Selve"