The finalists for the inaugural New South Wales Music Prize were unveiled on Monday, October 27, with Central Coast-raised artist, DJ, and producer Ninajirachi leading the nominations. Ninajirachi, whose real name is Nina Wilson, secured two nominations at the first-ever awards, which aim to celebrate and incentivize the state's most talented artists. Her 2024 'girl EDM' collection is shortlisted for the main A$80,000 ($52,000) NSW Music Prize, the most lucrative award in the Australian music industry. Additionally, she is a contender for the NSW Breakthrough Artist of the Year, which carries a A$40,000 ($26,000) cash prize.

Ninajirachi's rising star is further evidenced by her eight nominations at the upcoming ARIA Awards, where she leads the pack. Her debut full-length album, 'I Love My Computer' (via NLV Records), is also one of nine titles shortlisted for the prestigious 2025 Australian Music Prize, awarded annually to the outstanding Australian album of original work from the previous year. In August, the month her album dropped, she was recognized as Billboard's dance rookie of the month, highlighting her significant impact on the music scene.

Other artists receiving multiple nominations for the NSW Music Prize include 3% (for 'Kill the Dead'), BARKAA ('Big Tidda'), Shady Nasty ('Trek'), and SPEED ('Only One Mode'). Prominent acts like Royel Otis, RÜFÜS DU SOL, and ONEFOUR each received one nomination, showcasing the diverse talent within New South Wales. In total, 15 artists have the opportunity to share in a combined prize pool of A$160,000 ($104,000).

The Minns government initially announced the new prize in July, emphasizing its purpose to