NI Music Prize 2026 winners revealed as Philomena Begley and CMAT bring the house down at Ulster Hall

The NI Music Prize celebrated its 15th anniversary last night with an unforgettable evening at Belfast's Ulster Hall, recognising the very best of music from Northern Ireland across genres and generations.

Joshua Burnside took home the coveted PPL Album of the Year award for It's Not Going to Be OK, just 24 hours after winning at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.

CMAT joins country music legend Philomena Begley on stage at the NI Music Prize 2026, where Philomena received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

placeholder image — CMAT joins country music legend Philomena Begley on stage at the NI Music Prize 2026, where Philomena received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chalk celebrated a double win, picking up Single of the Year for Pain, decided by public vote, alongside MCD Live Act of the Year. Currently on tour with Fontaines D.C., the band sent a video message to accept their awards.

Kaidi Tatham was named PRS for Music NI Creator of the Year, while Polar Bolero won the public-voted BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland Artist of the Year award.

Joshua Burnside, winner of the PPL Album of the Year award for It's Not Going to Be OK at the NI Music Prize 2026.

One of the biggest moments of the night came as legendary country singer Philomena Begley received the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her extraordinary 64-year career. Presented by her longtime friend, BBC broadcaster Hugo Duncan, the celebration took an unexpected turn when CMAT made a surprise appearance to honour one of her musical heroes.

Backed by the Shamrock Showband, Philomena went on to perform her iconic hit Blanket on the Ground, inviting CMAT to join her on stage. The entire Ulster Hall was on its feet, with an incredible response from the audience prompting an encore of the song. It was a joyous moment that brought together two generations of Irish music and created one of the most memorable scenes in the Prize's history.

Acclaimed composer and musician Neil Martin received the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award, presented by his close friend, internationally renowned actor Stephen Rea.

The evening opened with a beautiful performance from The McKenna Family, followed by outstanding live sets from Wynona Bleach, Shamrock Showband, Beauty Sleep, Aoibha with Ciaran Lavery and Róise, reflecting the breadth of music being celebrated.

Polar Bolero, winners of the BBC Introducing in Northern Ireland Artist of the Year award at the NI Music Prize 2026.

Charlotte Dryden, CEO of Oh Yeah Music Centre, organisers of the NI Music Prize, said:

" We've had some incredible moments at the NI Music Prize over the years, but I don't think we've ever experienced an atmosphere quite like that. Seeing Philomena Begley and CMAT together, with the entire Ulster Hall on its feet, was something really special.

Congratulations to all our winners and nominees. The NI Music Prize is about recognising great music, but it's also about community. There are so many different scenes, genres, venues and people doing brilliant things, and bringing everyone together for one night is something worth celebrating. Fifteen years in, it feels like a very special moment for the Prize."

NI Music Prize 2026 Winners

Kaidi Tatham, winner of the PRS for Music NI Creator of the Year award at the NI Music Prize 2026.

PPL Album of the Year: Joshua Burnside – It's Not Going to Be OK

Single of the Year (Public Vote): Chalk – Pain

MCD Live Act of the Year: Chalk

PRS for Music NI Creator of the Year: Kaidi Tatham

Neil Martin, recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award at the NI Music Prize 2026.

BBC Introducing in NI Artist of the Year (Public Vote): Polar Bolero

Outstanding Contribution to Music: Neil Martin

Lifetime Achievement: Philomena Begley

The NI Music Prize is organised by Oh Yeah Music Centre as part of Sound of Belfast, which continues across the city until Sunday 15 November, celebrating Belfast's status as a UNESCO City of Music.