Lu Kala and Shakura S’Aida win grand prize at 4th annual Her Music Awards

TORONTO, March 29, 2024 – The SOCAN Foundation in partnership with Anthem Entertainment is pleased to announce two GTA artists, LU KALA and Shakura S’Aida as the grand prize recipients of the fourth annual Her Music Awards . The Her Music Awards are a dedicated program tailored to celebrate and empower female-identifying Canadian music creators on the verge of taking their creative careers to the next level.  

“The Her Music Awards celebrate exceptional women who are not only trailblazers but also empower through their music,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews , Executive Director of SOCAN Foundation . “This year’s winners join a roster of past award recipients, artists such as Haviah Mighty, Leela Gilday, Nuela Charles, and Caveboy, as well as Savannah Ré and Kellylee Evans, who continue to inspire others through their music,” said Wall-Andrews.

SOCAN CEO, Jenn Brown , and Anthem Entertainment Director of Marketing, Ryan Cain announced the recipients at an intimate, in-person celebration hosted in Toronto, ON on March 12, 2024 . Grand prize recipients, LU KALA and Shakura S’Aida , were both awarded a $5,000 cash prize and a one-year complimentary membership from the Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC) .

LU KALA

“Winning this award is important to me because it can inspire other women and girls to achieve for their goals. As a Congolese Canadian woman standing on the shoulders of the women who came before me, I want to continue to break down doors for other women and girls to follow after me,” said LU KALA, who now lives in Ajax.

Shakura S’Aida

Toronto’s, Shakura S’Aida‘s distinguished career spans over two decades, captivating audiences worldwide with her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. From her acclaimed tribute to Nina Simone in “The Nina Project” to her memorable roles on hit series like Schitt’s Creek and Batwoman, Shakura’s versatility knows no bounds. Her latest album Hold on to Love, produced in collaboration with industry luminaries, recently earned her the 2023 Folk Music Ontario Award for Album of the Year and a 2023 JUNO Award nomination in the Contemporary Roots Category.

“I am deeply honoured to be one of the Her Music Award recipients alongside LU KALA,” said Shakura S’Aida.”I have been an independent female artist in the music industry for over 40 years and I have often felt the need to adapt to shifts and changes of the times in order to find success; how wonderful to be acknowledged and received recognition at a time when I have finally chosen to stand strong in authenticity without fear of failure. I am so grateful for the encouragement from my peers that tells me that I am on the right track and that I am not alone on my journey,” adds Shakura s’Aida.

Honourable Mention distinctions

Additionally, five Her Music Awards honourable mention distinctions were granted to Angelique Francis , Jessica Sparvier-Wells , NADUH , Sinzere and Skye Wallace . Each of these recipients received a $1,000 cash prize.

The Her Music Awards are overseen by the SOCAN Foundation , and supported through financial contributions from the SOCAN Foundation and Anthem Entertainment .

Evaluation of applications encompassed various criteria, including artistic merit, career potential, and overall impact.

For more information on the SOCAN Foundation and the Her Music Awards, visit www.socanfoundation.ca .

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