Ninajirachi Wins $80,000 NSW Music Prize, Alongside 3% And BOY SODA

Ninajirachi has won the 2026 NSW Music Prize, taking home $80,000 for her debut album I Love My Computer, while 3% and BOY SODA have each collected $40,000 prizes recognising their contribution to the state’s music scene.

The electronic artist claimed the top honour just a year after winning the inaugural NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year award.

First Nations hip-hop group 3% won the NSW First Nations Music Prize for their singles These Days, Running Through My Head and Our Greats, while Sydney R&B artist BOY SODA was named NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

The winners were celebrated at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia this week, with triple j Mornings host Lucy Smith hosting.

Ninajirachi: From the NSW Central Coast to Coachella

For Ninajirachi, whose festival appearances include Coachella and Lollapalooza, the winning album remains firmly connected to home.

“So much of this music is about growing up on the Central Coast in NSW. There are lyrics about getting the 64 bus home from school, there’s a lyric about it taking an hour to get from Kincumber to Gosford, and we shot some of the music videos in Copacabana and Avoca.”

“It means a lot for it to be honoured in this way. This album has changed my life, thank you so much Sound NSW.”

I Love My Computer debuted at number one on the ARIA Dance Albums Chart, earned eight ARIA nominations and won three awards, alongside the 2025 Australian Music Prize and triple j’s Album of the Year.

First Nations storytelling and Sydney soul

Bringing together Nooky, Dallas Woods and Mi-kaisha Rose Masella, 3% combine hip-hop, soul and First Nations storytelling, with culture, community and truth-telling at the centre.

Their ARIA-winning debut Kill the Dead established the group nationally, while 2026 brought a new chapter with Mi-kaisha joining Nooky and Dallas.

BOY SODA’s breakthrough follows debut album SOULSTAR, which has passed 15 million streams. Its single Lil Obsession won Best Soul/R&B Release at the 2025 ARIAs, with recent international shows taking him to Japan’s Summer Sonic festival, Los Angeles and New York.

Backing local music

Established by the Minns Government last year, the prize supports local musicians facing increasing competition from overseas artists on streaming platforms.

Delivered by Sound NSW under the state’s 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy, this year’s awards recognised 16 finalists across a $160,000 prize pool.

“Great music doesn’t come out of nowhere,” said Sound NSW head Emily Collins.

“It comes from artists willing to take risks, push boundaries and create music that truly connects with people.”