Indigenous Artists Kayps and Mulga Bore Hard Rock Shortlisted for 2026 J Awards

Australian broadcaster triple j has revealed the finalists for the 2026 J Awards, highlighting a significant year for Indigenous talent across the national landscape. Among the major announcements are nominations for Central Australian rock group Mulga Bore Hard Rock and rapper Kayps, both recognized for their impact on culture and the arts over the past twelve months. The selections followed what triple j staff described as intense deliberation after a year of high-quality releases from across the continent. Mulga Bore Hard Rock secured a nomination for the Double J Australian Artist of the Year award. As reported by ABC's Double J, the group is being recognized following the release of their debut album, Sweet Home Mulga Bore. The project consists of 27 minutes of high-energy rock'n'roll characterized by blazing guitars and rock-solid rhythms. Kirklen "Desert Demon" Bird stated the band's success serves as an inspiration for Indigenous youth, showing them what is possible through music. The group joins a prestigious shortlist alongside established acts such as The Avalanches and Eddy Current Suppression Ring. In the Unearthed Artist of the Year category, Indigenous musician Kayps has been named a finalist following his transition from a two-time Unearthed High finalist to a touring professional. His breakthrough year was marked by the release of the LP Bunuba Baby, which triple j reports helped him secure a record deal with the prominent Indigenous-led label Bad Apples. Known for blending conscious lyrics with high-energy delivery, Kayps recently completed a national tour and saw substantial airplay across the network. He joins fellow category nominees DEVAURA, Public Figures, and Swapmeet. The inclusion of both acts in the 2026 shortlist underscores the continued influence of First Nations voices in contemporary music. While Mulga Bore Hard Rock is noted for playing with the enthusiasm of teenagers and the sound of seasoned veterans, Kayps is positioned as a leading figure in the next generation of Australian performers. The J Awards continue to serve as a platform for artists who have made significant contributions through live performance and recorded works, placing these Indigenous acts at the forefront of the Australian music scene.