Genesis Owusu takes home Australian Music Prize
Image credit: Bec Parsons
The winner of the Australian Music Prize has been revealed.
The $30,000 prize from Soundmerch has gone to Genesis Owusu (Kofi Owusu Ansah), who was also the recipient of Album of the Year at last year’s ARIA Awards.
Owusu’s album Smiling With No Teeth was also the Australian Album of the Year at the 2021 J Awards, and has solidified the performer as one of the country’s hottest talents.
The judging panel consisted of over 30 industry experts, including artists, radio presenters, music writers and retailers.
Scott Murphy, the founder and director of AMP, explained how Owusu ended up nabbing the award.
“When we appoint judges we don’t tell them how ti judge, or what we’re looking for. We simply say that this prize is about the album format (so don’t base your judgement on one, two or three tracks), and that originality is the number one consideration,” Murphy said.
“Smiling With No Teeth stacks up perfectly as said so by at least 80% of our judging panel.
“Well done Kofi and your supporters.”
Owusu – who was up against Amyl And The Sniffers, Baker Boy, Emma Donovan & The Putbakcs, Hiatus Kaiyote, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Martha Marlow, Nick Cave & Warren Ellis and Odette for the award – said winning it meant a lot.
“This is an award with a lot of esteem, not to mention putting real money back into music at a time like this is so crucial. I’m super grateful, and I’m keen to use the prize to help spread across the world, shouting out Australian talent on the way.”
Judge Cassie Walker, the executive producer of music programs on Double J, noted the strength of Aussie music.
“I am so proud of every single musician, producer, artist and everyone involved in the music process who found the inspiration, energy and resource to make new music at the most stressful times for the Australian music industry,” she said.
“The 2021 AMP finalists are some of the strongest albums in the world over the past 12 months, and will inspire musicians for years to come.”
The AMP is supported by Soundmerch, APRA AMCOS, Mushroom Group, Inertia, Sony Music, Universal, EMI, Virgin, Island, MGM, Sony Music Publishing and Collarts.
Last year, The Avalanches won for We Will Always Love You.