SPILL NEWS: FOLK CANADA ANNOUNCES 2026 ONTARIO FOLK MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES

FOLK CANADA ANNOUNCES 2026 ONTARIO FOLK MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES

THE 32nd ANNUAL ONTARIO FOLK MUSIC AWARDS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE STUDIO IN HAMILTON (ON) ON OCTOBER 14 DURING THE ANNUAL FOLK CANADA CONFERENCE

Folk Canada is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2026 Ontario Folk Music Awards. In recognition of the outstanding work and contributions of Folk artists and music industry from across the province of Ontario. The 32nd annual Ontario Folk Music Awards will take place during the Folk Canada Conference at The Studio in Hamilton, Ontario, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The event will feature performances by a select number of nominated artists and special guests, and is open to all Folk Canada Conference attendees. Still to be announced are the Estelle Klein Award recipients, the Laureate for the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award and Culture in Climate Award.

The nominees from Toronto are: Julian Taylor, Frank Mighty, John Muirhead, Schmaltz & Pepper, Payadora, kazdoura, Rebekah Hawker, Aysanabee, Ladom Ensemble, Amanda Rheaume, Jonathan Nvita, Eliana Cuevas, Justin Gray, and Tanika Charles.

Established in 1987 and now in its 39th year, the Folk Canada Conference (previously the Folk Music Ontario Conference and Ontario Council of Folk Festivals) will take place October 14-18 in Hamilton, Ontario and welcomes attendees from across the country to the event. To learn more, Folk Canada invites interested parties to visit their website and sign up for their newsletter.

“The Ontario Folk Music Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and creativity found across the province,” says Rosalyn Dennett, Executive Director of Folk Canada. “We’re proud to recognize this year’s nominees and bring the folk community together in Hamilton to celebrate their work.” Rosalyn Dennett is available for interviews, and select artists are available for interviews and performances in advance of the event.

THE 2026 ONTARIO FOLK MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES ARE

Song of the Year

“Unforgettable” by Amanda Rheaume (Amanda Rheaume, Dan Hosh)
“Inevitable” by Emma Lamontagne (Emma Lamontagne, Josh Bogert, Lynne Hanson)
“WIHOGORA” by Empress Nyiringango (Empress Nyiringango, Aron Niyitunga)
“Oh, Little One” by Jory Nash (Jory Nash)
“Patron Saint” by Kate Greenland (Kate Greenland)
“Until the Devil’s Paid” by Michael Darcy & The Atlantic Tramps (Michael Darcy)
“Quit My Habit” by Rebekah Hawker (Rebekah Hawker, Edward T Murphy)
“Temporary” by Vicki Brittle (Vicki Brittle)

Album of the Year

The Truth We Hold by Amanda Rheaume
Not Defeated by Angelique Francis Band
Mi Pequeña by Eliana Cuevas
Immersed by Justin Gray
Sofreh Tisch by Ladom Ensemble
Honesty by The Lifers
Reasons To Stay by Tanika Charles

Recording Artist of the Year

Aysanabee
Great Lake Swimmers
John Muirhead
Kazdoura
The Pairs
summersets

Performing Artist of the Year

Julian Taylor
Logan Staats
Mimi O’Bonsawin
OK Naledi
Schmaltz & Pepper
The Barrel Boys

Music Video of the Year

“Without You” by Aysanabee
“Been Done” by Frank Mighty
“One More Dance Around The Sun” by Great Lake Swimmers
“Kaku “Grandma’” by Jonathan Nvita
“Exploits Island” by Kate Weekes
“Vulgar Bulgar” by Medusa Quartet
“Fruta Prohibida” by Payadora

ABOUT FOLK CANADA

Folk Canada is a national music industry association that combines the previously existing organizations Folk Music Ontario and Folk Music Canada. This evolution is the result of years of sector and member consultation, collaboration, and a vision to work together, share knowledge, and pool resources to support a sustainable folk music industry across Canada.

ABOUT THE FOLK CANADA CONFERENCE

The 2026 Folk Canada Conference will take place October 14-18 in Hamilton, Ontario. Be sure to check out the rest of the Folk Canada programming and Showcase lineup HERE and get your conference pass and tickets. Established in 1987, the Folk Canada Conference has been the largest gathering of the professional Folk Music community in Canada. Since the inaugural gathering as the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals, Folk Canada has connected artists and presenters through showcasing, one-on-one meetings, networking, peer sessions, panels, mentorship, and other career development opportunities.

Folk Canada Links