Two B.C. artists win $10,000 Black Canadian music award
The SOCAN Foundation has announced Coquitlam R&B singer Bukola and Vancouver emo act Haleluya Hailu have each won at the 2025 SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards.
The two B.C. musicians are joined by Ontario's Nia Nadurata and Kalisway and Nova Scotia's Obediya Jones-Darrell as winners at the fourth-annual awards. The prize is valued at $10,000.
The Black Canadian Music Awards were established through a joint partnership by SiriusXM Canada and the SOCAN Foundation in 2020 to recognize and promote the contributions across all music genres by Black music creators across Canada.
Candidates must by Canadian citizens, identify as Black, and be the original creators of the musical submissions to apply for the awards, which are judged by a jury of Black Canadian artists and industry professionals. The first five winners all receive a $10,000 award.
An additional five artists selected in the Ones to Watch category receive awards valued at $1,000. This year's Ones to Watch are Seago, AfrotroniX, Kwazii, Laurie Torres and iamamSaam.
Submissions for the awards are received at socanfoundation.com.
• Nigerian-Canadian artist Bukola was born in Vancouver and is currently based in Coquitlam.
Her latest EP, titled the Confessions of an Antisocial Butterly, was produced by Baca & Brandn and recorded in Los Angeles. The artist describes the mix of R&B vocals, jazz guitar and heartfelt lyrics as 'a retelling of the classic coming-of-age story through the eyes of a twentysomething Nigerian Canadian girl in the suburbs.'
Inspired by artists such as India Arie, Amy Winehouse and Corinne Bailey Rae, Bukola's performance credits include venues such as Toronto's El Mocambo and B.C. Place. Her music has appeared in streaming series such as Netflix's Ginny & Georgia and Disney+'s The Princess.
• Burnaby-born, Vancouver-based Ethiopian-Canadian multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Haleluya Hailu was first featured in the pages of The Vancouver Sun and Province while still attending Burnaby North Secondary, when her debut EP, titled Greetings & Salutations, hit the No. 1 spot on Simon Fraser University radio station CJSF, and No. 2 on the University of Victoria's CFUV station.
Following music studies at Selkirk College in Nelson, Hailu returned to making music, inking a deal with 604 Records, the label co-founded by Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger and Vancouver lawyer Jonathan Simkin.
Her debut EP, Eternally Yours, included the singles Useless, Pinball and Manic Pixie Pacifist.
sderdeyn@postmedia.com
Q&A: Haleluya Hailu talks about putting together Greetings and Salutations EP with fellow teenagers
Q+A: Haleluya Hailu unleashes her Manic Pixie Pacifist on eternally, yours
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Engadget
4 hours ago
- Engadget
The Sims-like Paralives hits Early Access in December
If you aren't thrilled with what EA has done with The Sims, another alternative is coming soon. The indie passion project Paralives launches in Steam Early Access on December 8. Paralives has all the hallmarks of the life simulation genre. You can build your character, including physical and personality traits. It lets you make friends, move up in your career, fall in love and start a family (or not!). Design is central, too. You can craft your dream home, move walls and resize that stubby love seat into a full-on couch. The game uses "innovative build tools that are easy to use but powerful for advanced builders." When designing your living space, you aren't limited to a grid. You can build on curves and customize any object's colors and textures. There's even an in-game measuring tape for those who want to get ultra-precise. The game is the lovechild of Canadian developer Alex Massé, who began the project in 2019. Paralives Studio has now grown to a team of 13 with the sole focus of building "an innovative and fresh life simulation game." It's raised funds exclusively through Patreon. The team's development process is out in the open. You can browse its history and roadmap online, showing the full array of planned features. Crucially, the young studio says Paralives will never have paid DLC — only free expansions. That's one way to take a shot at The Sims without even mentioning its name. And unlike the glitzy AI-fest inZoi, Paralives emphasizes depth and flexibility over presentation. Its simple and charming art style is a foundation for feeling and connection. You can see for yourself in the release date trailer below. Grab Paralives on Steam Early Access (PC and Mac) on December 8.
USA Today
8 hours ago
- USA Today
Beyoncé fans react to dance captain's absence during London concert: 'Where is Amari?'
AI-assisted summary Beyoncé's dance captain, Amari "Monster" Marshall, was absent from her June 7 London concert. Fans questioned Marshall's absence on social media, as she has been a key figure in the "Renaissance" and "Cowboy Carter" tours. Marshall notably mentored Blue Ivy Carter during her stage debut and performed alongside Beyoncé at the 2024 NFL halftime show. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter lit up the stage for the second night of her "Cowboy Carter" tour in London, and while fans were thrilled to see Les Twins dancing once again, many pointed out one familiar face was missing. The Grammy-winning singer took the stage June 7 for her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. During the electric performance many fans noticed that Amari "Monster" Marshall, dubbed Beyoncé's dance captain, was not among the performers onstage. One fan wrote, "What happened to Amari," and many others cosigned. Marshall began working with Beyoncé during her iconic 2018 Coachella "Beychella" performances. She eventually assumed the role of dance co-captain on the "Renaissance World Tour," where she played a key part in mentoring Beyoncé's then 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy during her stage debut. Beyoncé publicly praised Marshall for her guidance with the family dubbing her Blue's 'dance stage momma." She also took the stage with Bey during her 2024 Christmas Day NFL halftime show during the Texans-Ravens game. Marshall has continued performing with Beyoncé as dance captain on the "Cowboy Carter" tour, often sharing photos from various tour stops. However, she appeared to be absent from the stage in London, and fans especially noticed during Saturday night's show. It's not yet clear why Marshall didn't appear onstage or if she'll be making a return soon. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. The USA TODAY Network reached out to Beyoncé's team for further information. The concert marked Beyoncé's second of six shows at the stadium. She is set to hit the stage again June 10, 12, 14 and 16, before heading to Paris for three fans know, Beyoncé first debuted her "Cowboy Carter" tour at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on April 28 with 39 songs on the set list. Her shows have been filled with family, fashion, different music genres, and most notably country music and cultural commentary. Of course, Beyoncé first released the 27-track project in March 2024. It has since made history and broken multiple records. As Beyoncé's first country album, she deliberately featured country legends and emerging Black country artists alike. She became the first Black woman to win best country album at the 2025 Grammys and also took home album of the year. The nine-city tour will span the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale taking place in Las Vegas on July 26. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards Arrive On Crave
Celebrating the arts in Canadian films and TV shows, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television brings the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards to Crave. For those who missed out on the original airing of the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards on CBC and CBC Gem, you won't need to fret anymore, as the showcase is available on demand and on Crave from June 2nd onward. Showing more love to the Canadian creative minds, the partnership between CBC Gem and Crave is quite a big deal, as it unites two Canadian streaming services to increase access to the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards. The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television was founded in 1979 and now comprises more than 4,000 members, comprising both emerging and established industry professionals. The organization is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating Canadian talent across film, television, and digital media. Continuing this mission, the Canadian Screen Awards were launched in 2013 through the merger of the Academy's Gemini and Genie Awards. The Canadian Screen Awards are the biggest night in Canadian entertainment. It brings together icons and emerging stars to honour the country's creative minds. Returning in 2025, the showcase will feature exciting moments, tributes to beloved entertainers who have shaped the film and television industry, and recognition across a wide range of categories. Commenting on the surprise partnership, Tammy Frick, CEO of the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, said: 'CBC Gem and Crave coming together to showcase the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards marks a proud moment in Canadian storytelling. For the first time, two of our nation's biggest streaming platforms are joining forces to shine a brighter spotlight on Canadian talent and creativity. Together, we're celebrating the best of Canada – our voices, our stories, and the communities that shape them – and making sure they're widely seen and celebrated from coast to coast to coast.' Following the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards original airing, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television has released a list of the nominees and winners for each category. As a quick recap, check the list below of all the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards winners. Best Motion Picture – The Apprentice by Daniel Bekerman. Achievement in Direction – Matthew Rankin, Universal Language | Une langue universelle. Original Screenplay – Henry Bernadet, Isabelle Brouillette, and Nicolas Krief. Gamma Rays. Adapted Screenplay – Sook-Yin Lee and Joanne Sarazen. Paying For It. Achievement in Cinematography – Gayle Ye, Paying For It. Achievement in Editing – Xi Feng, Universal Language | Une langue universelle. Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design – Louisa Schabas, Universal Language | Une langue universelle. Achievement in Make-Up – Colin Penman, Brandi Boulet, and Sean Sansom. The Apprentice. Achievement in Costume Design – Negar Nemati, Universal Language | Une langue universelle. Achievement in Hair – Michelle Cote, Charlotte DeLaet, and Sandra Kelly. The Apprentice. Achievement in Visual Effects – Brian Huynh, Sophia Jooyeon Lee, Steven Huynh, Justin Perreault, and Michael Davison. Code 8: Part II. Achievement in Sound Mixing – Christian Cooke, Mark Zsifkovits, Trevor Goulet, Peter Persaud, and Daniel Moctezuma. The Shrouds. Achievement in Music – Original Score — Mychael Danna, Seven Veils. Achieve in Music – Original Song — Revolutionary Heart by Torquil Campbell, for the We Forgot To Break Up film. Best Stunt Coordination – Steven McMichael and Leslie McMichael. Wynonna Earp: Vengeance. Achievement in Casting – Marilou Richer and Ila Firouzabadi. Universal Language | Une langue universelle. Performance in a Leading Role, Drama – Sebastian Stan, The Apprentice. Performance in a Leading Role, Comedy – Cate Blanchett, Rumours. Performance in a Supporting Role, Drama – Jeremy Strong, The Apprentice. Performance in a Supporting Role, Comedy – Graham Greene, Seeds. Best Feature Length Documentary – Yintah by Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell, Michael Toledano, Bob Moore, Sam Vinal, Doris Rosso, Daniel Cross, and Mila Aung-Thwin. Best Cinematography in a Feature Length Documentary – Michael Toledano, Yintah. Best Editing in a Feature Length Documentary – David Schmidt, Wilfred Buck. Best Original Music in a Feature Length Documentary – Murray Lightburn, Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story. Best Sound Design in a Feature Length Documentary – Marie-Pierre Grenier, Camille Demers-Lambert, Nataq Huault, Olivier Germain, and Alexis Farand. Okurimono. Best Short Documentary – Hello Stranger by Amélie Hardy, Sarah Mannering, and Fanny Drew. Best Animated Short – Maybe Elephants by Torill Kove, Lise Fearnley, Maral Mohammadian, and Tonje Skar Reiersen. Best Live Action Short Drama – On a Sunday at Eleven by Alicia K. Harris and Jeff Chiu. Performance in a Live Action Short Drama – Bryn McAuley, Bibi's Dog is Dead. John Dunning Best First Feature Film Award – Village Keeper, Karen Chapman. What an exciting time to honour Canadian films and the television industry in the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards. The 2025 Canadian Screen Awards are available on CBC Gem and, as of now, Crave.
