The Emma Gaala – Finland’s highest-profile music awards show – was held at the Metro Areena in Espoo this weekend. There was a shower of awards for Warner Music’s artists: they took home a total of 14 trophies during the evening! This was a record-breaking figure for one record company, and a significantly higher haul than any other label enjoyed.
The duo emma & matilda, were awarded Band of the Year, Alternative Act of the Year, and Album of the Year. Additionally, the duo’s Emma Johansson was named Music Maker of the Year. The band used the opportunity to announce the biggest concert of their career so far at the Helsinki Ice Hall’s Black Box.
Last year’s Melodifestivalen winners KAJ received the Export Emma award, as well as the Song of the Year award. Jaakko Kulta, who draws inspiration for his pop songs from old Finnish rock, was honored with the Rock of the Year trophy. Wille Mannila, who is signed to HMC Publishing, which is owned by WM Finland, took home the Producer of the Year Emma.
The iconic Kaija Koo was honored with a Special Emma, and long-time music industry influencer Asko Kallonen received the Golden Emma. Among Warner Music’s distributed artists, Ares took home three trophies and Komiat received one.
Warner Music’s artists received the following awards at the 2026 Emma Gaala:
- Band of the Year – emma & matilda
- Alternative of the Year – emma & matilda
- Album of the Year – emma & matilda
- Rock of the Year – Jaakko Kulta
- Export Emma – KAJ
- Song of the Year – KAJ
- Producer of the Year – Wille Mannila
- Music Maker of the Year – Emma Johansson
- Special Emma – Kaija Koo
- Golden Emma – Asko Kallonen
- Newcomer of the Year – Ares (distribution)
- Rap of the Year – Ares (distribution)
- Most Streamed Domestic Song of the Year – Ares (distribution)
- Schlager of the Year – Komiat (distribution)
Artist performances were also a significant part of the gala. At the beginning of the evening, emma & matilda performed alongside JVG. The stage also featured appearances by, among others, superstar Isac Elliot and Sara Bee, who had her breakthrough last year. The evening was fittingly brought to a close by Kaija Koo, a legend of Finnish pop music.
