Pass us the aux cord, the MAMA Awards are back again to celebrate local music

Posted on 16 November, 2023

It’s official. The MusicACT Music Awards (MAMAs) are back again for 2023 – and you’re invited.

Resuming last year after a hiatus the MAMAs will once again celebrate the best in local music.

Held on Tuesday 5 December at Highball, this year there are four awards up for grabs: Artist of Year, ACT Music Industry Legend of the Year, Independent Debut Recording of the Year and Best Release of the Year –a new addition to this year’s awards – as well as this year’s inductees into MusicACT’s Hall of Fame.

MusicACT Program Manager Lucy Anh, who may be more familiar to you as singer Lucy Sugerman, is excited about the impact an award like this could have on someone’s career.

“The ACT music industry is rapidly growing and has a lot of potential,” says Lucy.

“The MAMAs are about our wonderful local artists and industry getting recognised for their work”.

MAMAs 2022. Photography supplied.

It’s not just MusicACT celebrating local acts – ACT artists are in the spotlight nationally and internationally; with 2022 MAMAs Artist of the Year Genesis Owusu scooping up at the ARIAs this year and opening for acts like Paramore and Tame Impala, and household names like Peking Duk and the rise of 2023 nominees SAFIA and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.

With other states and territories running similar awards for their industries, the MAMAs puts the ACT on an equal playing field – and is a fantastic opportunity for musicians and music fans alike to come together and celebrate the past year of achievement in Canberra music.”

MAMAs 2022. Photography supplied.

MusicACT President Dave Caffery couldn’t agree more.

“Canberra music is hot, just listen to our Nominees Playlist and this will resonate. Join us in recognising great talent and to support the growth of our music industry,” he says.

While nominations are now closed, anyone can vote for the exciting list of 2023 MAMA nominees at musicact.com.au/mamas as long as they subscribe to MusicACT’s Music Pros listt and tickets are now on sale for the Awards Ceremony. Voting closes on Tuesday 21 November.

MAMAs 2022. Photography supplied.

The ceremony will not only see the winners awarded but also feature some amazing performances, with Apricot Ink headlining.  So, strap on those dancing shoes and be ready to finish 2023 with a bang!