A BIG NIGHT FOR FIRST NATIONS ARTISTS, HUGE WINS FOR BALL PARK MUSIC, AND POTENT CAREER ADVICE: RECAPPING THE 2026 QMAS
For the first time in its 20-year history, the Queensland Music Awards made its way to the Gold Coast.
The Miami Marketta opened its doors to the Queensland Music Community for an unforgettable evening- bringing together artists, labels, managers, venues, and tastemakers all under one roof, to celebrate and reward the passionate people who keep the QLD Music scene alive.
Ella Fence, Tori Darke, and Sunny Luwe set the tone for the evening with a standout cover of The Veronicas' 'Untouched', supported by the Griffith University band. The evening was full of well-deserved accolades, tears, laughter and all the warmth that makes this industry worth celebrating.
Some of the most powerful moments of the night came from First Nations artists, with seven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians taking home awards across the evening. Jem Cassar-Daley led the charge, claiming both the Pop Award and Song of the Year for 'Kiss Me Like You're Leaving'. She was joined by Say True God?, who took out Hip Hop for 'COUNT US IN'; BADASSMUTHA, who won Soul/Funk/RnB for 'BUB'; and Loki Liddle and Joshua Tate, who shared Music Video of the Year for 'Breaking Into Heaven' by Selve. JUNGAJI was named Indigenous Artist of the Year, Djawarray claimed Regional Artist of the Year, and Dubbzone received the Dennis Mop Conlon Scholarship - a sweep that underscored the depth and vitality of First Nations music in Queensland and beyond.
For Say True God?, the win marked a deeply personal milestone - his first ever 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 one can say I didn't do it; it's a mad feeling."
He credited the recognition to the relationships and support network he has built within his Mandandanji/Waanyi community.
BADASSMUTHA used her Soul/Funk/RnB win as an opportunity to honour the women who hold First Nations communities together.
"I dedicate this one to all of the First Nations matriarchs, they are the backbone of our community," she said. "They show up consistently, show their support for family and friends, this one is for them."
Ball Park Music were the undeniable legends of the evening. The Brisbane band took home not one, but two trophies- Highest Selling Album and Album of the Year, for their eighth record, ‘Like Love’. In true BPM fashion, Frontman Sam Cromack kept it real in his acceptance speech:
"We have loved being a band for almost 20 years now. To get together and to make songs together has always been a labour of love. It's a great honour to win an award but it's never been the driving force. We absolutely love making music together and performing music. So, to have an honour like this is very special."
And then, to cap it all off, he left the stage with what might be the best piece of career advice the QMAs have ever heard:
"Go and start a f**ing band."
Matching Ball Park Music's haul was Jem Cassar-Daley, who doubled up with the Pop Award for 'Kiss Me Like You're Leaving' and in a moment she clearly did not see coming - Song of the Year. When her name was called, she was mid-snack.
"To say I wasn't expecting this is an absolute understatement," she said.
She went on to reflect on just how deep the Queensland talent pool runs, across Brisbane and regional areas alike, and gave a shoutout to the venues making it all possible.
Young Franco had a massive 48 hours. The day before the QMAs, he was inducted into the Valley Walk of Fame, a permanent nod to his 2025 Song of the Year win for 'Wake Up' featuring Master Peace. There, with his family, he took the time to thank the Fortitude Valley scene that sparked his early career, joining the likes of Powderfinger, The Bee Gees and The Go-Betweens. Before promptly making the trip down the M1 to win the 2026 Electronic Award for 'Lose Control'.
Other winners on the night included Hollow Coves (Export Artist of the Year), FISHER (Highest Selling Single for 'Stay'), and 4ZZZ - Brisbane's beloved community radio station - which received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of 50 years of filling Brisbane airways, Fifty years of playing artists before anyone else would- of volunteers showing up on Sunday mornings, and of fighting the good fights. Presenter Quentin Ellison summed it up perfectly:
"Queensland music has always been world class, and we've just been lucky enough to have a front row seat."
The evening was hosted by Ash McGregor & Matt Okine, who brought their unique brand of light hearted commentary to the night alongside our digital host, Bianca Hunt. After our openers, the audience was treated to performances by Screamfeeder, Blind Corners, Paulina & Tom Thum, Say True God?, DZ Deathrays, Dami Im and Tori Darke.
Now go and start a f**king band!
About QMusic
QMusic is the not-for-profit music industry peak body and development association for Queensland.
The work of QMusic is critical to the success and development of Queensland’s music economy. It
is the only significant and established not-for-profit organisation in Queensland dedicated to
delivering sector/talent development, recognition and capacity building initiatives including Industry
Connect, the QMAs and BIGSOUND.
QMusic acknowledges the many Traditional Custodian groups across what is now referred to as Queensland. We pay our respect to all elders: past and present. As a peak body, we also acknowledge the important role that music has played and continues to play on these lands since the very first sunrise.
