Genesis Owusu adds to his glittering industry haul with triple j’s J Award for Australian album of the year.
The genre-blurring artist bags the coveted honor for Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge, his third studio album. Dropping in May 2026, Redstar Wu & The Worldwide Scourge debuted at No. 3 on the ARIA Albums Chart — a career best — and topped the Australian Albums Chart and the Vinyl Albums Chart.
Redstar Wu tackles the political, social and economic overwhelm of the last few years, its “soulful, punk-funk electro-rap visionary renders the paranoia and confusion in thrilling, hook-laden tracks that defy neat categorization,” reads a statement from triple j, announcing its annual prize winners.
The album, however, “doesn’t just rage against dystopia; it optimistically calls to rally people together to overcome forces that tear us apart, offering vigor, hope and imagination in an era where those qualities feel in short supply.”
That’s not all. The Ghana-born, Canberra-raised artist doubles up with the J Award for triple j and rage Australian music video of the year, winning for the clip to “STAMPEDE,” directed by Isaac Brown.
It’s the second time Owusu has won both categories. Previously, he snagged the top award for his debut 2021 album Smiling With No Teeth, and in the same year collected the music video trophy for “The Other Black Dog,” directed by Riley Blakeway.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Genesis Owusu takes home this year’s J Award for album of the year,” comments triple j music director Claire Mooney. “This record is testament to Genesis Owusu’s unmatched and extraordinary creativity, authenticity and ability to create a body of work that is as thought provoking as it is impactful. If there’s one record the world gets to listen to in 2026, I hope it’s this one.”
Since his career erupted with Smiling With No Teeth, Owusu has dominated the awards circuit in Australia like few others. His treasure chest includes the Australian Music Prize, the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, AIR Awards, and seven ARIAs. He can fill his boots next week at the 2026 ARIA Awards, where he’s nominated in eight categories, equal best on the night with Tame Impala.
Other winners at the 2026 J Awards include ARIA Hall of Fame inducted sibling duo Vika & Linda (Double J Australian artist of the year for Where Do You Come From?), indie act Swapmeet (Unearthed Artist of the Year for Mount Zero), and EDM star Ninajirachi (triple j live act of the year).
All counted, 23 Australian artists and four directors were nominated for the annual J Awards, which celebrate the best Australian music. Winners were announced on air Thursday afternoon, Nov. 12, to kick off Ausmusic Month on triple j, Double J and Unearthed.
2026 J Award Nominees and winners:
Unearthed Artist of the Year
DEVAURA
KAYPS
Public Figures
Swapmeet (WINNER)
The Tullamarines
triple j Australian Album of the Year
Bugs – HEAD NOISE
Ecca Vandal – LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO UNFOLLOW
Genesis Owusu – REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE (WINNER)
Julia Jacklin – The Gem
Kayps – BUNUBA BABY
Nerve – Growing Pains
South Summit – RUN IT BACK
Swapmeet – Mount Zero
Sycco – Look Up
Troye Sivan – She’s the Best
Australian Live act of the Year
Ecca Vandal
Genesis Owusu
Miss Kaninna
Ninajirachi (WINNER)
Tame Impala
triple j & Rage Music Video of the Year
Drifting Clouds – “Rarrandharr” – Directed by Matt Sav
Elektronik Girl Epic - ”I Love Stealing From Woolies” – Directed by Elektronik Girl Epic
Genesis Owusu – “STAMPEDE” – Directed by Isaac Brown (WINNER)
Julia Jacklin – “The Hardest Thing” – Directed by Danny Cohen
Miss Kaninna - ”BACKSTREETS” – Directed by Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore
Double J Australian Artist of the Year
The Avalanches
Eddy Current Suppression Ring
Mulga Bore Hard Rock
Rowena Wise
Vika & Linda (WINNER)
