For Immediate Release
Ottawa, Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Canadian Folk Music Awards Announces 2025 Nominees  

107 nominees in 20 categories from across Canada to be recognized at the CFMA 20th Anniversary Celebration

Click here to watch the CFMA announcement video

The Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMA) are proud to announce the nominees for the 2025 edition as we mark a significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of celebrating the finest talent in Canada’s vibrant folk music community. 

Award-winning Toronto songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Abigail Lapell leads the CFMAs with four nominations: Contemporary Album of the Year and Solo Artist of the Year for her newest album Anniversary, and Traditional Singer of the Year and Children’s Album of the Year for her previous project, Lullabies. 

Other artists who are recognized with multiple nominations this year include Good Lovelies, Lucy MacNeil, and The Andrew Collins Trio with three nominations each. Derina Harvey, Rum Ragged, Ndidi O, Ceilidh Cardinal, Burnstick, Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen, Mélisande, and Miles Zurawell were each honoured with two nominations.

Established by Canada’s vibrant and internationally-recognized folk music community, the CFMAs currently boast 20 categories. Nominees are chosen for each category through the first of a two-stage jury process. More than 100 jurors from across Canada, representing all provinces and official languages, determine the recipients in each category.

“This year we received a record number of submissions for the Canadian Folk Music Awards,” said CFMA President Graham Lindsey. “It’s an exciting milestone that reflects not only the growth of the CFMA over the past 20 years but also the remarkable strength and resilience of the folk music community.”

The 107 nominees represent a cross-section of urban and rural Canada, with a strong regional, bilingual, and multicultural identity that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of folk music today, Lindsey noted. 

All regions of Canada are represented, from the Atlantic provinces to the West and the far North, as well as significant representation from Quebec and Ontario. Musically, the artists reveal a wide range of cultural influences ranging from Indigenous, Acadian, Québécois, and African traditions, to modern blues, punk, jazz, and more.

“From coast to coast to coast, artists continue to redefine and expand what folk music means, and their dedication has helped foster a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive musical landscape. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, it’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come and how much promise the future holds,” said CFMA Vice President Jocelyne Baribeau.

To view the full list of nominees by category or province, click here.

The CFMA has also released new Spotify playlists featuring music by all nominees. To listen, visit: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1dBx3zh3eTAyBgsjErezom?si=7tE7SCGISE-U45DJRlHwoA

In 2025, the CFMA will return to Ottawa/Gatineau, the birthplace of the Canadian Folk Music Awards. The 20th Anniversary of the CFMA will take place from April 3–6, 2025, with a grand gala and a series of bilingual concerts that highlight the diversity, creativity, and cultural significance of the Canadian folk music scene today. Each concert will also include several awards presentations. 

VIP Wristbands are now on sale at the early bird price of $125 (tax inclusive). The wristbands grant access to all four concerts as well as afterparty networking events, offering significant savings (Tickets to all four shows are valued at $148 + tax and ticket fees if purchased separately). Single tickets for each concert will be available for purchase in February 2025.

The 2025 Awards Week events include: 

Songs & Stories Concert
Thursday, April 3, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Canadian Museum of History
A celebration of Canada’s top folk songwriters, this intimate evening will feature heartfelt performances that showcase the power of storytelling through music.

Tickets: $35 (available at the museum box office in February 2025)

20th Anniversary Gala Concert
Friday, April 4, 2025 | 7:30 PM
National Arts Centre
Experience an unforgettable night at our Gala Concert in the Babs Asper Theatre. The centerpiece of the CFMA weekend, this highly anticipated gala event will feature live performances by an eclectic selection of nominees representative of the diversity and quality of Canadian folk music today. Celebrate with us as we recognize 20 years of folk excellence!

Tickets: $55 (available at the NAC box office in February 2025)

Tickets: 

Trad & Global Roots Concert
Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Canadian Museum of History
Celebrate the roots and rhythms of traditional folk and global roots music at the Trad & Global Roots Concert. This event will take place in the stunning Grand Hall where the first CFMA took place back in 2005. Many remarkable artists will perform music rooted in diverse cultures and styles.
Tickets: $35 (available at the museum box office in February 2025)

Folk for Families Concert
Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 10:30 AM
Canadian Museum of History
Bring the whole family to the Folk for Families Concert for a fun-filled lineup of performances by CFMA nominees. With music designed to entertain all ages, this family-friendly event is included with admission to the Canadian Museum of History—so you can explore the exhibits and enjoy an afternoon of music all in one visit!

Admission is free with museum entry ($23).

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More details, including the performer lineup for all concerts, will be revealed in early 2025. 

About the Canadian Folk Music Awards:
Founded in 2005, the Canadian Folk Music Awards celebrate and promote the breadth and depth of Canadian folk music, embracing the many traditions that make up our musical heritage.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and Canada’s private radio broadcasters.

The Canadian Folk Music Awards acknowledge the generous funding and support from Ottawa Tourism, The National Arts Centre, and the Canadian Museum of History. 

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For more information, media inquiries, or interview requests, please contact:

Briana Doyle
Communications Director
[email protected]
438-926-4397

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2025 List of nominees

The 2025 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominees are /
Les finalistes aux Prix de musique folk 2025 sont:

Young Performer(s) of the Year / Jeune artiste(s) de l’année:

• Amelia Parker – Forwards
• Irish Millie – GRACE
• Mary Frances Leahy – First Light
• Paige Penney – INFINITY
• The Salt Beef Junkies – Somewhere In Between

 

New/Emerging Artist(s) of the Year / Artiste(s) de la relève de l’année:

• Derina Harvey Band – Waves of Home
• Lucy MacNeil – Angels Whisper
• Maggie’s Wake – Maggie’s Wake
• Miles Zurawell – Far Afield
• Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen – Home
• Solidaridad Tango – DISTANCIA

 

Contemporary Album of the Year / Album contemporain de l’année

• Abigail Lapell – Anniversary
• Boy Golden – For Jimmy
• Juurini – Aqqutinni
• Kaia Kater – Strange Medicine
• Lynne Hanson – Just A Poet
• Sandra Bouza – A Sound in the Dark

 

Contemporary Singer of the Year / Chanteur contemporain de l’année:

• Camie – POEMS IN THE ASHES
• Derina Harvey – Waves of Home
• Esther Wheaton (Onion Honey) – Foul Weather Friends
• Jeffery Straker – Great Big Sky
• Ndidi O – Simple Songs for Complicated Times

 

Global Roots Album of the Year / Album traditions du monde de l’année: 

• Dumai Dunai – Sometime Between Now and Never
• Jason Wilson and Ashara – Ashara
• Lemon Bucket Orkestra – Cuckoo
• Merrie Klazek – Dance Around the Sun
• Okavango African Orchestra – Migration

 

Traditional Singer of the Year / Chanteur traditionnel de l’année:

• Abigail Lapell – Lullabies
• Fathieh Honari (Gordon Grdina’s The Marrow) – With Fathieh Honari
• Ken Whiteley – So Glad I’m Here
• Lucy MacNeil – Angels Whisper
• Mélisande – Rembobine

 

Traditional Album of the Year/ Album traditionnel de l’année:

• Bradley Murphy – BEUL
• Brandon Isaak – One Step Closer
• David Francey – The Breath Between
• La Bottine Souriante – Domino !
• Lucy MacNeil – Angels Whisper
• Rum Ragged – Gone Jiggin’

 

French Songwriter(s) of the Year / Auteur-compositeur(s) francophone de l’année:

• Alexandre Poulin – La somme des êtres aimés
• Lennie Gallant, Patricia Richard (Sirène et Matelot) – Un monde de dissonances ()
• Michel Robichaud – Rallumer l’effort
• Reney Ray – L’album Temporaire
• Sara Dufour, Dany Placard (Sara Dufour)  – On va-tu prendre une marche?

 

English Songwriter(s) of the Year / Auteur compositeur(s) anglophone de l’année:

• Adrian Glynn, Brendan McLeod (The Fugitives) – No Help Coming
• Celeigh Cardinal, Brennan Cameron (Celeigh Cardinal) – Boundless Possibilities
• Kellie Loder – Transitions
• Ndidi O – Simple Songs for Complicated Times
• Ruth Moody – Wanderer
• Shaina Hayes – Kindergarten Heart

 

Indigenous Songwriter(s) of the Year / Auteur compositeur(s) autochtone de l’année:

• Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers – Marks on the Ground
• Celeigh Cardinal – Boundless Possibilities
• Gabrielle Fontaine (Indian City) – Tomorrow
• Jason Burnstick, Nadia Burnstick (Burnstick) – Made of Sin
• Mimi O’Bonsawin – Live in Concert

 

Instrumental Composer of the Year / Compositeur(s) ou compositrice(s) de l’année: 

• Alanna Jenish – Daleview
• Andre Valerio (Tio Chorinho) – Tempestuoso
• Andrew Collins (The Andrew Collins Trio) – The Rule of Three
• Karson McKeown, Tom Gammons, Tuli Porcher (Inn Echo) – Hemispheres
• Pastelle LeBlanc (Vishtèn) – Vishtèn Connexions Expansion

 

Children’s Album of the Year / Album jeunesse de l’année

• Abigail Lapell – Lullabies
• Bon Débarras – J’m’en viens chez vous!
• Henri Godon – Chants de vacances
• Seeka Sings – I Belong
• Will and Seeka – Will and Seeka: Friends with Everyone

 

Instrumental Group of the Year / Groupe instrumental de l’année:

• Masmoudi Quartette – Villes Éternelles
• Pipeslinger – The King’s Clothing
• Solidaridad Tango – DISTANCIA
• The Andrew Collins Trio – The Rule of Three
• Tio Chorinho – Tempestuoso

 

Ensemble of the Year / Groupe de l’année:

• Good Lovelies – We Will Never Be The Same
• Rachel Davis & Darren McMullen – Home
• Rum Ragged – Gone Jiggin’
• Sultans of String – Walking Through the Fire
• The Fugitives – No Help Coming

 

Vocal Group of the Year / Groupe vocal de l’année:

• Good Lovelies – We Will Never Be The Same
• La Nef – RED SKY AT NIGHT
• Mikha.elles – Camino de mujeres
• Prairie Comeau – L’emprunt(e)
• summersets – small town story

 

Oliver Schroer Pushing the Boundaries Award / Prix Innovation musicale Oliver Schroer:

• Irish Millie – GRACE
• James Hill – Uke Heads
• Jonathan Bélanger – Sur le Boulevard
• Kiran Ahluwalia – Comfort Food
• Nastasia Y – Kyiv Soul
• The Andrew Collins Trio – The Rule of Three

 

Producer(s) of the Year / Réalisateur(s) de l’année:

• David Boulanger (La Bottine Souriante) – Domino !
• Gal George Gjurin – How about a kiss?
• Jason Burnstick, Nadia Burnstick (Burnstick) – Made of Sin
• Joshua Van Tassel, Christine Bougie (Good Lovelies) – We Will Never Be The Same
• Vincent Appelby (Marie Onile) – Les mots, l’élan et la chance

 

Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year / Instrumentiste solo de l’année:

• Jason Fowler – FORELSKET
• Jeremie Groleau – Uphill
• Merrie Klazek – Dance Around the Sun
• Miles Zurawell – Far Afield
• Shaun Ferguson – La Lumière De L’Ombre – L’Ombre De La Lumière

 

Solo Artist of the Year / Artiste solo de l’année:

• Abigail Lapell – Anniversary
• Connie Kaldor – Keep Going
• Loryn Taggart – The Lost Art of Pulling Through
• Mélisande – Rembobine
• Orit Shimoni – Winnipeg
• Sue Foley – One Guitar Woman

 

Single of the Year / Monoplage de l’année:

• Andrew Allen – What Would Love Do? (Alt Version)
• Angelique Francis  – Train Coming (ft. Eric Gales)
• Asiah Holm – Wildflower
• Geneviève Racette – Same Old Me
• Loryn Taggart – Tell Me How
• Mia Kelly – Meaning Well