Best song in languages other than English

Definitions:

• This Award recognises an outstanding song in languages other than English played in any folk music genre.
• The nominating artist(s) does not need to be a member of the Folk Alliance Australia. 

Award Eligibility Criteria 

1. Language Requirement – The song must be at least 50% in a language other than English. Bilingual songs will be eligible if they meet this threshold. 

2. Lyrics Required – The song must have lyrical content; instrumental pieces are not eligible. 

3. An original lyrical composition in a non-English language(s), 

4. Consideration of Authenticity – Judges may take into account the artist’s connection to the language and culture represented in the song. 

5. Appropriation Safeguards – Songs should be performed with cultural integrity. While anyone can sing in another language, the criteria should ensure respectful engagement rather than appropriation. 

Judging Criteria (4-6 Key Areas) 

Judges will score songs based on the following weighted criteria: 

1. Musicality & Performance – How well the song is composed, arranged, and performed 

2. Lyrical Strength – The quality of storytelling, poetry, or meaning in the lyrics (with translations provided for reference). 

3. Cultural & Linguistic Integrity – How well the song reflects the linguistic and cultural tradition it represents. 

4. Innovation & Creativity – How the song contributes something unique to Australian folk music while staying true to its roots. 

5. Emotional & Narrative Impact – How effectively the song engages and resonates with listeners.

• The song needs to have been recorded or composed in the time period of 1st July 2024 to 31^st July 2025

Nomination/Entry Fee

• No Nomination is required to be paid at the time of the entry. 

Nomination for Zulya Kamalova Award – Best song in Languages other than English

• All Nominations must be made via the online Entry Form
• All questions must be completed and information supplied in the format designated. Your application may be invalid if all information is not submitted in the correct format.
• You may nominate for more than one AFMA Award (if applicable a separate fee must be paid)
• Nominations open in June and close on 12 Midnight Thursday 31^st July 2025 EST. 
• Late entries will not be accepted.
• The nominated artist/songwriter for Zulya Kamalova Award must currently reside in Australia.
• Parental Permission must be submitted for nominations of persons under the age of 18 years.
• Once you have submitted your nomination entry you will receive a confirmation email.
• Awards are decided by a panel of selected judges with expertise in folk music and the folk music sector. Their decisions are deemed final. No correspondence will be entered into.
• Five (5) Finalists will be selected to be featured at the AFMA AWARDS event (Wed 22nd October) at The Brunswick Ballroom in Melbourne)
• Names of Finalists will be announced on 1^st September 2025. Finalists may be required to provide additional media information/images.
• All recordings must fulfill legal requirements meaning songwriters have been properly credited and appropriate royalties have been paid
• AWARD
  • The Zulya Kamalova Award winner will receive support from FAA and partner organisations and folk festivals.  (which may include any or all of the following:- recording / festival appearances / travel support)

NOMINATION FORM

This Form must be submitted before midnight on Thursday 31^st July 2025 EST.

AFMAs – Zulya Kamalova Award

"*" indicates required fields

1ACT DETAILS

2ALBUM DETAILS

3SUBMIT NOMINATION

ACT DETAILS

Name of ACT being Nominated*

(Name of Artist/Act who has performed on Album)

Does the Act agree to be Nominated?*

Please selectYesNo

Folk Alliance membership no.*

Contact Person for Nominated Act*

Contact Address

(full postal Address details)

Email*

Phone

Website

Facebook

Other Social Media

Date Song was Released to Public*

DayDay12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031

MonthMonth123456789101112

YearYear20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974197319721971197019691968196719661965196419631962196119601959195819571956195519541953195219511950194919481947194619451944194319421941194019391938193719361935193419331932193119301929192819271926192519241923192219211920

(must be between July 1st 2024 to June 30th 2025)

Name of Song*

Duration of Song*

Link to Song Online*

So that panelists can listen to the song. If password is required please provide

Password

If password is required to access album.

Spotify Link (if available)

Share music

Please tick if you would like your music (not application) shared with Australian Folk DJs

Names of all people playing on song*

Description and Bio*

Please provide a) short description of the song AND b)Short Bio of Artist(s) MAX 300 WORDS TOTAL

I am over 18 years of age*

Please selectYesNo

PARENTAL CONSENT IF UNDER 18 YEARS

Age if under 18 years*

If artist/person nominated is under 18 years they require Parental or Guardian approval to enter the Awards.

I approve this Nomination. Signed:*

Signature of Parent/Guardian.

Name of Parent/Guardian*

NOMINATED BY:-

Name of Nominating Person*

First Last

Relationship to Nominated act*

Phone Number*

Email*

Reason for Nomination*

Why should this song be awarded the Zulya Kamalova Award – Best song in languages other than English? In your answer please refer to the assessment criteria (musical proficiency, creativity of arrangement, concept of the song, and recording quality, potential interest and impact of the song)

Agreement*

I agree to the Conditions & Rules of the AFMA Award as outlined. I have provided all of the information as requested in this Nomination.

Signed*

Signee Name*

First Name Last name

Payment