Australian producer and artist Ninajirachi (real name Nina Wilson) has officially won the 21st Australian Music Prize (AMP) for her debut album I Love My Computer. Announced Thursday afternoon, the AMP honors the most outstanding Australian album of the past year, recognizing artistic merit rather than commercial performance. The decision, made by a panel of respected music industry figures, cements Ninajirachi’s status as one of the most innovative artists in the country.

Alongside the honor, Ninajirachi received a prize of A$50,000, sponsored by Soundmerch, a leading Australian music merchandise company. In her acceptance statement, she expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you so much to the Australian Music Prize for awarding me this year — this truly means a lot to me! I’m so proud to have produced an Australian album.” She explained that I Love My Computer was inspired by her upbringing on the Central Coast and her early exposure to Australian dance music. The artist also vowed to continue creating and contributing to the vibrant storytelling culture of Australian music.

The AMP victory coincides with Ausmusic Month, a national November celebration of homegrown artists. It arrives at a pivotal time for the 26-year-old producer, who is also a top contender at the upcoming ARIA Awards, where she has earned eight nominations, including Album of the Year, Best Solo Artist, and the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist. This recognition underscores Ninajirachi’s fast-rising influence within the Australian music landscape.

Established in 2005 and modeled after the U.K.’s Mercury Prize, the Australian Music Prize aims to “discover, reward, and promote new Australian music of excellence.” The 2025 judging process began with a longlist of 465 eligible albums, narrowed to 50 nominees, and then to a final shortlist of nine. Competing alongside Ninajirachi were standout releases such as Strange Love by Bleak Squad, Insatiable by Divide and Dissolve, and Underneath by Floodlights. Past AMP winners include The Avalanches, Sampa the Great, Courtney Barnett, and last year’s champion, Kankawa Nagarra for Wirlmarni. This year’s win further elevates Ninajirachi into the legacy of groundbreaking Australian musicians celebrated for their creative authenticity.

Submissions for the 22nd Soundmerch AMP are now open to Australian artists releasing albums between October 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026 ensuring that the next chapter of Australia’s dynamic music scene continues to thrive and evolve.