On Wednesday,Genesis Owusu became the first hip-hop artist ever to take out the ARIA Awards’ album of the year prize for his acclaimed debut full-lengthSmiling with No Teeth.
In an impressive coup against major label power,the Canberra rapper,real name Kofi Owusu-Ansah,managed the win with an independent release,the first artist to accomplish the feat since Flume did withSkin in 2016.
“This is insane. I used to get side-eyed a lot for the way I dressed and the things I did,but all the people I loved and respected always stood firm,unmoveable and unshakeable ’cause we knew the power in who we were and what we created,” Owusu-Ansah said in his acceptance speech.“This just means so much to me.
“For all those people,Goon Club worldwide,eccentrics,black people - know that it’s not up to us to change for people,but it’s up to people to catch up and see what they’ve been missing out on.”
The 23-year-old topped the evening with four wins,also claiming trophies for best hip-hop release,best independent release,and best cover art.
The wins cap a solid run of honours for Owusu-Ansah’sSmiling with No Teeth. Released to international acclaim in March,the – a remarkable blend of allegorical storytelling,personal politics,and playful sonic exploration – last week also claimed Triple J’s J Award for Australian album of the year.
Wednesday night’s ARIA Awards,a patchwork ceremony featuring pre-recorded segments,international crosses,and live performances at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo,offered overdue recognition for Australia’s exciting hip-hop and R&B scenes,and the diverse talent – largely Indigenous artists,and first- and second-generation African-Australians – who’ve drawn an international spotlight to our local offerings.
After his breakout debut was snubbed at last year’s awards,global chart-topper The Kid Laroi claimed two ARIA trophies,winning the awards’ first gender-neutral best artist category,as well as best pop release for his Justin Bieber-featuring hitStay,which reached #1 on the US’ Billboard 100 chart and spent 14 weeks atop the local ARIA singles chart.
The win for best artist marked the 18-year-old as the first male rapper to claim the awards’ top solo artist prize ( won the best female artist prize at last year’s ARIA Awards.)
Rising Indigenous R&B star Budjerah also claimed his first ARIA,winning the Michael Gudinski breakthrough artist prize for his debut self-titled EP. The 19-year-old’s award was introduced by popstar Ed Sheeran who offered a special tribute to.
Sydney dance trio Rufus Du Sol beat out stiff competition including AC/DC and The Avalanches to win best group,while also winning the ARIA for best dance release for a record-tying third time for their brooding singleAlive.
The night’s other major prize,the publicly-voted song of the year,was one win to curb any knee-jerk “Is Oz-rock dead?” debates:it went to Perth slack-rockers Spacey Jane for their Triple J Hottest 100 runner-up,Booster Seat.
The awards,which were broadcast on YouTube and 9Now,featured performances from Genesis Owusu,Amy Shark and The Kid Laroi.
2021 ARIA Award winners
Album of the year:Genesis Owusu, Smiling with No Teeth
Best artist:The Kid Laroi, Stay (with Justin Bieber)
Michael Gudinski breakthrough artist:Budjerah,Budjerah (EP)
Best pop release:The Kid Laroi,Stay (with Justin Bieber)
Best hip hop release:Genesis Owusu,Smiling with No Teeth
Best independent release:Genesis Owusu,Smiling with No Teeth
Best soul/R&B release: Tkay Maidza,Last Year Was Weird,Vol. 3
Best dance release:Rufus Du Sol, Alive
Best group:Rufus Du Sol,Alive
Best rock album:Middle Kids,Today We’re the Greatest
Best adult contemporary album:Crowded House,Dreamers Are Waiting
Best country album:Troy Cassar-Daley,The World Today
Best hard rock/heavy metal album:Tropical F**k Storm,Deep States
Best blues&roots album:Archie Roach,The Songs of Charcoal Lane
Best children’s album:Bluey,Bluey the Album
Public-voted awards
Best video:Missing Piece,Vance Joy and Annelise Hickey
Best Australian live act:Lime Cordiale,Relapse Tour
Song of the year:Booster Seat,Spacey Jane
Most popular international:Taylor Swift, Evermore
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