German Music Authors Award 2026 Honors Hit Song 'Tau mich auf'

The German Music Authors Award for 2026 has been presented to the songwriting team behind the track 'Tau mich auf', performed by Zartmann. This recognition highlights the collaborative efforts of five musicians--Zartmann, David Bonk (also known as DaJu), Moritz Dauner, Jonas Kraft (Cuffa), and Aaron Lovac (Drumla)--who represent a diverse range of musical backgrounds, spanning from classical influences to cloud-rap.

'Tau mich auf' proved to be a major success over the past year, securing the top position on the Official German Single Charts and maintaining a presence in the Top 10 for 36 consecutive weeks. With over 187 million streams, it ranked as the most successful German work of 2025, setting a new benchmark for longevity and popularity in the domestic music industry.

The award, determined by the Academy of German Music Authors, is intended to recognize the creative minds responsible for the composition and lyrics of chart-topping songs--often individuals who work behind the scenes and receive less public attention than performers. The 2026 award underscores the growing impact of collaborative songwriting and the fusion of different genres in shaping modern German music.

Zartmann, widely viewed as a leading figure among a new generation of German-speaking artists, has established a distinct presence in the national music scene. His previous projects, including the chart-topping EP 'Schönhauser', have contributed to his reputation for blending elements of rap and pop with introspective themes such as urban life and personal struggles. The recent accolades, including multiple honors at the 1LIVE Krone 2025, reflect both critical and commercial success.

The German Music Authors Award has been presented annually since 2009, aiming to acknowledge the creative contributions of composers and lyricists across genres. Organized under the slogan "Authors Honor Authors", the event seeks to bring attention to the artistic achievements of those who shape the German music landscape without necessarily being in the spotlight. The 2026 ceremony is scheduled to take place in Berlin, providing a stage for the honored songwriters and celebrating their influence on contemporary music culture.

The recognition of 'Tau mich auf' and its creators not only celebrates exceptional songwriting and production, but also signals the ongoing evolution of German pop and rap, driven by collaboration and genre fusion. As the music industry continues to adapt to changing tastes and digital consumption patterns, awards like this reinforce the value of innovation and teamwork behind chart successes.