Estonian Music Awards 2026

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Kalle Veesaar

Essentially the Estonian Grammy Awards, the Estonian Music Awards 2026, or EMA, is a gala concert showcasing the top musical acts of the past year. This event obviously also includes awards. Oh so many awards! The event is open to the public if you have a ticket, and will take place on 29 January in Tallinn’s Unibet Arena.

Live musical performances will be by SADU, Estonian superstar Liis Lemsalu and Lauri Saatpalu, the extremely popular hip-hop artist nublu performing with the legendary Vaiko Eplik, An-Marlen, säm and Alika, Estonia’s kings of funk Lexsoul dancemachine, and the timeless yet modern music of Vennaskond, as well as Terminaator.

Categories for awards are more or less similar to any such event. Awards will be given for Best New Artist, Best Alternative/Indie Album, Best Ethno/Folk, Hip-Hop, Electronic Albums, as well as Best Jazz, Rock, Pop, and Metal Albums. Also included are Best Female and Best Male Artists, and Best Music Video—yes, they still make these! Band of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and more. There is even a Contribution to Estonian Music Award, which is very similar to a Lifetime Achievement Award.

If you are not familiar with Estonian music, but you would like to be, this is an excellent chance to experience every aspect of it in one night. Tickets range from €29 and up, depending on your seat selection. More information about the Estonian Music Awards is available here in Estonian, including nominations.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Concert EMA Estonian Music Estonian Music Awards Events in Estonia Events in Tallinn