Jade Turner and Rhonda Head Pick Up Indigenous Music Awards
The envelopes were opened and the hardware was handed out at the 2017 Indigenous Music Awards on May 19. After a one-year hiatus, the IMAs (formerly Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards) returned to recognize the accomplishments of Indigenous recording artists and music industry professionals from around the globe, revealing this year's winners at a gala event at Winnipeg's Club Regent Event Centre.
Artists and media from Manitoba picked up three IMAs at the celebration. Singer/songwriter Jade Turner, a double nominee this year, brought home the award for Best Country Album for her latest release, North Country. Classically-trained singer Rhonda Head won in the Best Inuit, Indigenous Language, or Francophone Album category for her new album, Kisahkihitan. CBC Radio One’s Unreserved: Radio Indigenous with Rosanna Deerchild landed the Best Radio Station Program Promotion Indigenous Music award.
Other nominated artists from Manitoba included JC Campbell, Kimberley Dawn, Renée Lamoureux, The Bloodshots, The Deeds, Nadia & Jason Burnstick, Lisa Muswagon and more. Read more about the nominees from Manitoba
Presented by Manito Ahbee Festival and hosted by Kimberley Dawn and Jerry Sereda, this year's event featured performances by several nominees and acclaimed artists, including hometown hero Fred Penner, the event's hosts, and more.
Many of this year’s Manitoba-based nominees and winners have participated in Manitoba Music’s Aboriginal Music Program, as well as professional and market development programs during their careers, accessing assistance to showcase in new markets and in making critical business contacts. Manitoba Music's programs and services are made possible by the generous support of the Province of Manitoba, FACTOR through the financial support of the Government of Canada and Canada's private radio broadcasters, Manitoba Film & Music,The Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, The SOCAN Foundation, and members of the music industry of Manitoba.
For a complete list of 2017 IMA winners, please visit indigenousmusicawards.com