Genesis Owusu is leading the nominations for the 2026 J Awards, with triple j revealing the artists in contention for this year’s honours ahead of Ausmusic Month.
The Canberra-raised artist has picked up three nominations following the release of his third studio album, Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge, earning nods for Australian Album of the Year, Australian Live Act of the Year and Australian Music Video of the Year for “STAMPEDE”.
Now in its 21st year, the J Awards celebrate Australian music across five categories, recognising everything from standout albums and live performances to emerging talent and music videos. Ecca Vandal, Julia Jacklin and Miss Kaninna are also among this year’s most recognised artists, securing two nominations each.
This year’s Australian Album of the Year category features a diverse mix of established names and rising stars, with Owusu facing competition from Troye Sivan, Sycco, South Summit, Bugs, Nerve, Ecca Vandal and Julia Jacklin.
It’s a particularly special nod for Brisbane band Bugs, coming after bassist Jordan Brunoli revealed earlier this year that his cancer diagnosis was terminal. The band subsequently announced a run of shows celebrating their album HEAD NOISE.
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Emerging artists Kayps and Swapmeet have also landed nominations in the category for their respective releases, BUNUBA BABY and Mount Zero. Both are additionally up for Unearthed Artist of the Year, alongside DEVAURA, Public Figures and The Tullamarines.
Meanwhile, the Australian Live Act of the Year category sees Owusu, Ecca Vandal and Miss Kaninna going up against Ninajirachi and Tame Impala.
Over on Double J, The Avalanches, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, Mulga Bore Hard Rock, Rowena Wise and Vika & Linda are competing for Australian Artist of the Year.
The winners will be announced on Thursday, November 12th, during triple j Drive from 3pm (AEDT).
Check out the full list of nominees below.
2026 J Awards Nominees:
Unearthed Artist of the Year
DEVAURA
Kayps
Public Figures
Swapmeet
The Tullamarines
triple j Australian Album of the Year
Bugs – HEAD NOISE
Ecca Vandal – LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO UNFOLLOW
Genesis Owusu – REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE
Julia Jacklin – The Gem
Kayps – BUNUBA BABY
Nerve – Growing Pains
South Summit – RUN IT BACK
Swapmeet – Mount Zero
Sycco – Look Up
Troye Sivan – She’s the Best
triple j Australian Live Act of the Year
Ecca Vandal
Genesis Owusu
Miss Kaninna
Ninajirachi
Tame Impala
rage and triple j Australian Music Video of the Year
Drifting Clouds – “Rarrandharr” (Directed by Matt Sav)
Elektronik Girl Epic – “I Love Stealing From Woolies” (Directed by Elektronik Girl Epic)
Genesis Owusu – “STAMPEDE” (Directed by Isaac Brown)
Julia Jacklin – “The Hardest Thing” (Directed by Danny Cohen)
Miss Kaninna – “BACKSTREETS” (Directed by Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore)
Double J Australian Artist of the Year
The Avalanches
Eddy Current Suppression Ring
Mulga Bore Hard Rock
Rowena Wise
Vika & Linda
