The Pacific’s biggest music competition is back in 2026 with ABC Radio Australia’s Pacific Break on the search for the Pacific and Timor-Leste’s best original talent.
Kicking off on Friday 28 August, artists have until midnight on Wednesday 21 October to enter their original tracks with the winner receiving an all-expenses-paid trip to Australia to perform at WOMADelaide – Australia’s largest international music, arts and dance festival.
ABC Radio Australia’s morning program Nesia Daily will reveal the winner of Pacific Break 2026 on air on Thursday 12 November 2026.
This year’s judging panel will be looking for authenticity and creativity across diverse genres, and includes Australian-based Fijian artist, label head and former Gang of Youths guitarist Joji Malani, Papua New Guinean-born Australian neo-soul star Ngaiire, WOMADelaide Associate Director Annette Tripodi and ABC Radio Australia music presenters Hau Lātūkefu (In The Fale) and Sose Fuamoli (Sista Sounds and On The Record).
According to Malani, “I’m looking for artists who want to weave in their own stories and tell things to the world, to a global perspective but in a way that represents who they are, their culture, their family in the most authentic manner without trying to be like anything else. You can be influenced by things out there, but I’m interested in authenticity.”
Fuamoli said, “Last year we saw a number of new genres represented, and I would love to see artists playing with form and style continue to feel confident in submitting. I’m looking for strong personalities, strong voices and strong storytelling!”
Learn more about the music industry leaders who will decide the 2026 Pacific Break winner and what they’re looking for this year here.
HOW TO ENTER
Competition entries open at 9am AEST on Friday 28 August 2026 and will be open until 11:59pm AEST Wednesday 21 October 2026.
Submit your original track(s) in one of three ways;
- 1.Complete the online entry form, available here.
- 2.Get in touch with our Pacific Break team via WhatsApp (+61 447 310 986) and send through your songs and information
- 3.Send an email with all your details to pacificbreak@abc.net.au, including your music files as an attachment.
For more information about Pacific Break, including competition details and terms and conditions, visit www.abc.net.au/pacificbreak