Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on November 12, 2025
FOLK ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL UNVEILS 2026 INTERNATIONAL FOLK MUSIC AWARD HONOREES AND NOMINEES
Folk Alliance International (FAI), the world’s leading nonprofit for folk music, has announced honorees, nominees, and keynote speakers for the 38th annual International Folk Music Awards and conference, taking place January 21–25, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Five-time GRAMMY winner Taj Mahal will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, joined by fellow honorees Clifton Chenier and Louisiana Folk Roots. Keynote speakers include New Orleans icons Big Freedia and Tank (of Tank and the Bangas).
Now in its 38th year, the conference will feature over 125 events and 150+ official showcases representing 34 countries. The 2026 theme, Rise Up, highlights music’s power to inspire social and cultural resilience.
Lifetime Achievement Honorees
• Taj Mahal — blues legend and five-time GRAMMY winner
• Clifton Chenier — zydeco originator and Louisiana icon
• Louisiana Folk Roots — cultural organization celebrating Cajun and Creole heritage
Rising Tide Award: Yasmin Williams
People’s Voice Award: Kyshona
Spirit of Folk Awards: Laura Thomas, Rachel Ornelas, Alex Mallett, and Cindy Cogbill
Clearwater Award: Edmonton Folk Music Festival
Artist of the Year: Abbie Gardner, Carsie Blanton, Crys Matthews, I’m With Her, Ordinary Elephant, Sam Robbins
Album of the Year: Alison Krauss & Union Station – Arcadia; Flamy Grant – CHURCH; Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ – Room on the Porch; Crys Matthews – Reclamation; I’m With Her – Wild and Clear and Blue; Woody Guthrie – Woody At Home: Vols. 1 + 2
Song of the Year: “Ain’t Afraid to Die” (Woody Guthrie), “Crying in the Night” (Andrew Bird & Madison Cunningham), “I Bought Me a President” (Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer), “Room on the Porch” (Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’), “Sleeves Up” (Crys Matthews), “Sisters of the Night Watch” (I’m With Her)
Global Folk Album Award (in partnership with Songlines): Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwali, Trio Da Kali, Hajda Banda, Rastak, The Baltic Sisters, Votia
Photos of recipients and nominees are available here. Listen to the official Spotify playlist.
Keynote speakers Big Freedia and Tank (of Tank and the Bangas) will headline alongside an expansive conference schedule, including 125+ panels and workshops.
Panelists include Ani DiFranco, Irma Thomas, Gina Chavez, Louis Michot (Lost Bayou Ramblers), Leyla McCalla, Ann Powers (NPR Music), Nick Spitzer (American Routes), and more. Topics range from Indigenous Perspectives on Folk Tradition to Human Art in a Generative AI Age.
View the full schedule: folk.org/conference/schedule
FAI adds new performers to the 2026 Official Showcases, including Kyshona, The Milk Carton Kids, Steve Poltz, Leyla McCalla, and Yasmin Williams, among others. Highlights include Lost Bayou Ramblers, Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience, Chuck Prophet, Emily Scott Robinson, The Steel Wheels, Rainbow Girls, Tray Wellington, and Mamadou Diabate & Percussion Mania.
Full list of Official Showcases: folk.org/conference
“With all the challenges in the world right now, community is more necessary than ever,” said FAI executive director Jennifer Roe. “This year’s theme, Rise Up, reflects the resilience and unity of the global folk community.”
