Artists & Industry from Manitoba Shine at Western Canadian Music Awards















Local Music Community Earns Awards in 14 Artistic and Industry Categories, Special Honours for Carole Vivier, Ray St. Germain, and The Watchmen
Manitoba’s music industry is in the spotlight at this year’s Western Canadian Music Awards. Artists and music companies picked up hardware in 14 categories that recognize those making a significant impact in Western Canada’s music scene and beyond. The awards were revealed during a special live streamed event on October 15.
Pop powerhouse Begonia was a double winner this year, earning Recording of the Year and Pop Artist of the Year. She won BreakOut Artist of the Year in 2020.
Pop/R&B/soul artist Kelly Bado also picked up two awards this year for Francophone Artist of the Year and Global Artist of the Year. This is Bado's second win in a row in the Francophone category.
Grant Davidson, aka Slow Leaves, was named Songwriter of the Year. Indie rock pair Mise en Scene landed Rock Artist of the Year. Multi-instrumentalist / singer/songwriter / producer Sebastian Gaskin won for R&B Artist of the Year. Polaris Music Prize long-listed doom metal-hardcore band Vagina Witchcraft brought home Metal & Hard Music Artist of the Year. Pianist Will Bonness won for Jazz Artist of the Year. JUNO-winning singer/songwriter William Prince won for Roots Artist of the Year for the second year in a row. Record label Birthday Cake picked up awards for Impact in Artist Development and Impact in Music Marketing. Producer duo deadmen won their first WCMA for Producer of the Year. Roberta Landreth earned Excellence in Visual Design.
This year's awards also celebrated the contributions of three local music luminaries, which will be formally presented at a special event during BreakOut West this February in Winnipeg. This year’s recipients include legendary singer/songwriter Ray St. Germain (Heritage Award), longtime Manitoba Film & Music CEO Carole Vivier (Kevin Walters Industry Builder Award), and rock band The Watchmen (Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame).
Many of this year’s winners from Manitoba have participated in Manitoba Music’s professional, market, and Indigenous music development programs during their careers, accessing assistance to develop their business skills, showcase in new markets, and make critical industry contacts. Manitoba Music’s programs are supported by the Province of Manitoba, FACTOR through the financial support of the Government of Canada and Canada's private radio broadcasters, and Manitoba Film & Music.
BreakOut West returns to Winnipeg February 2-6 2022 including a four-day music conference, a three-night multi-genre music festival, and special events. Find out more at breakoutwest.ca.
Artistic WINNERS
Blues Artist of the Year
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne (BC)
BreakOut Artist of the Year
Sargeant X Comrade (AB)
Children’s Artist of the Year
Claire Ness (YT)
Classical Artist or Ensemble of the Year
PEP (Piano and Erhu Project) (BC)
Classical Composer of the Year
T. Patrick Carrabre (BC)
Country Artist of the Year
Nice Horse (AB)
Electronic & Dance Artist of the Year
So Sus (BC)
Francophone Artist of the Year
Kelly Bado (MB)
Indigenous Artist of the Year
Snotty Nose Rez Kids (BC)
Instrumental Artist of the Year
Rubim de Toledo (AB)
Global Artist of the Year
Kelly Bado (MB)
Jazz Artist of the Year
Will Bonness (MB)
Metal & Hard Music Artist of the Year
Vagina Witchcraft (MB)
Pop Artist of the Year
Begonia (MB)
Producer of the Year
deadmen (MB)
R&B Artist of the Year
Sebastian Gaskin (MB)
Rap & Hip Hop Artist of the Year
Snotty Nose Rez Kids (BC)
Recording of the Year
Begonia (MB)
Rock Artist of the Year
Mise en Scene (MB)
Roots Artist of the Year
William Prince (MB)
Songwriter(s) of the Year
Grant Davidson (Slow Leaves) (MB)
Spiritual Artist of the Year
Yvonne St Germaine (SK)
Video Director of the Year
Alfonso Chin, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Screaming Indian (BC)
Visual Media Composer of the Year
Factor Eight, Live Is But A Dream (SK)
industry WINNERS
Audio Engineering Award
Sheldon Zaharko (BC)
Community Excellence Award
National Music Centre (AB)
Excellence in Visual Design
Roberta Landreth (MB)
Impact in Artist Development
Birthday Cake (MB)
Impact in Live Music
The Starlite Room (Starlite Sessions) #SupportCanadianVenues (AB)
Impact in Music Marketing
Birthday Cake (MB)