SOCAN Foundation Announces Recipients of 2026 SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards

 

SOCAN Foundation Announces Recipients of 2026 SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards

The SOCAN Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards: Desirée Dawson, Kareem James, pHoenix Pagliacci, Rachel McFarlane and Tanika Charles.

Now celebrating its fifth year, the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards were created in 2020 to recognize and support Black Canadian music creators making significant contributions to Canada's musical landscape. Thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor SiriusXM Canada, the five recipients will each receive a $10,000 award to help advance their careers. 

Selected by a distinguished jury of Black Canadian artists and music industry professionals, this year's recipients reflect an extraordinary range of artistic voices and disciplines.

“The career trajectories of past award recipients have been remarkable, and this year’s honourees are poised to carry that legacy forward with success and impact,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director of the SOCAN Foundation. “As we mark the fifth anniversary of the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards, we are proud to continue investing in Black music creators whose artistry is shaping the future of Canadian music. The exceptional talent of this year’s recipients speaks to the depth and cultural significance of Black music creation across the country and across genres.”

"Supporting and amplifying Black Canadian artists remains a key part of SiriusXM Canada’s commitment to fostering a more vibrant and inclusive music industry,” said Michelle Mearns, Senior Vice President, Programming & Operations. “Through the SOCAN Black Canadian Music Awards, we’re honoured to help recognize a new group of remarkable artists and celebrate their success.” 

Over the past five years, the SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards have helped support and elevate some of Canada's most exciting black music creators, including TOBi, Naya Ali, Dylan Sinclair, Nonso Amadi, Jon Vinyl, Savannah Ré, and many others. Many past recipients have gone on to receive JUNO Award nominations, secure international touring opportunities, release acclaimed projects, and establish themselves as leading voices in Canadian music and beyond.

"Since receiving the Black Canadian Music Award, I’ve been able to level up in numerous areas of my career and business," said TOBI. "Financial support as well as institutional support is so critical to the artist entrepreneur. This is an important program to continue to nurture and support Black talent in this country. Congratulations to all of this year's recipients!"

Recent success stories include Nonso Amadi, who released his debut album When It Blooms, earned a 2024 JUNO nomination, and surpassed 100 million streams globally; Jon Vinyl, who received back-to-back JUNO nominations and toured extensively across North America; and Bukola, who released her debut album, completed the ARC Accelerator program, and continued to build her reputation as one of British Columbia's most promising emerging R&B and neo-soul artists.

Eligible artists are encouraged to apply for the 2027 Black Canadian Music Awards by August 14, 2026. Applications can be submitted through the SOCAN Foundation website.

For additional information on the SOCAN Foundation and its programs, please visit socanfoundation.ca.