Swapmeet, DEM MOB & Elsy Wameyo Win Big At The 2026 South Australian Music Awards

The South Australian Music industry's night of nights, the 2026 SA Music Awards, was another star studded afair that saw Swapmeet, DEM MOB and Elsy Wameyo win big.

Presented by MusicSA, the SA Music Awards returned to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre to celebrate everything we love about the SA music scene, with indie outfit Swapmeet leading the charge with four awards across the Major and People's Choice categories, taking home three Major Awards for Best Song ('I Know!'), Best Group and Best Release (EP/Album) for Mount Zero and the People's Choice Award for Rock.

"We are a band that grew up in South Australia, made our records in South Australia, and we will continue to pay homage to the unceded land that has given us so much opportunity," the band said. "Being recognised by the SA Music Awards is an honour and one we really appreciate."

Hot on Swapmeet's heels was First Nations Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara hip hop group DEM MOB, who took home three awards, making it 13 in the past four years for the exciting collective. The group won Best Regional Artist and Best Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Artist in the Major categories and Best Music Educator in the Industry Awards.

Elsy Wameyo also collected three awards, taking out Best Solo Artist and Best Music Video for 'WAMEYO' in the Major categories, along with winning the People’s Choice Award for Hip Hop.

READ MORE: Bridgeway Live Teams Up With Yours & Owls, Announces Karnivool Launch Show

The night also saw The Tullamarines take home Best New Artist and Best Cover Art for 'Safety Blanket', WOMADelaide win Best Large Music Festival, Hindley Street Music Hall named Best Live Music Venue, Space Jams claim the award for Best Regional Music Venue or Festival and Caltowie Chilled Out ’n’ Fired Up Music Festival crowned as Best Small Festival.

It wasn't just the artists, venues and festivals getting recognition, with those behind the scenes also celebrated. Rachel Whitford was awarded Best Manager; Kokatha, Wirangu and Mirning woman and owner of Balya Productions, Letisha Ackland, received Best Live Production Crew; James Brown won Best Studio Engineer/Producer and Wundenberg’s Recording Studio was recognised as Best Studio.

Three special awards were also presented to individuals for outstanding achievement within the South Australian Music Industry, with sound production graduates Ellie Moffatt from SAE Creative Media Institute and Felicity Slee from TAFE SA claiming The Neville Clark Award, Breeze taking out the UNESCO Best International Collaboration Award and singer-songwriter Nancy Bates being awarded the MusicSA Community Achievement Award.

Adelaide rockers Bad//Dreems were inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame, and Rob Edwards, Ella Ion, Nat Luna and Any Young Mechanic all performed live.

"Congratulations to every 2026 finalist and award recipient," said MusicSA CEO Christine Schloithe. "We know the music talent and expertise in this state is exceptional, and this has been reflected in every award and category. We’re so pleased to celebrate with all nominees, winners and South Australia’s music community tonight,"

South Australian Deputy Premier and Minister for Arts, Kyam Maher MLC, added, "The South Australian Music Awards winners reflect the depth of talent, creativity and innovation across our state's music industry. From emerging artists to established industry leaders, they are helping shape the future of South Australian music and building audiences at home and beyond.

"Congratulations to all the winners and finalists on their achievements and their contribution to the cultural life and vibrancy of our state. A special congratulations to Swapmeet for taking out four awards, three of them major, including Best Song."

Check out the full list of winners below.