The SOCAN Foundation, part of the SOCAN Group of companies, is pleased and proud to announce that singer-songwriters LU KALA and Shakura S’Aida are the two $5,000 cash prize recipients of the 2023 Her Music Awards, sponsored by Anthem Entertainment. SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown and Anthem Entertainment Director of Marketing Ryan Cain announced the recipients at an intimate, in-person celebration at the George Restaurant in downtown Toronto, on Mar. 12, 2024.
Five $1,000 cash prizes for Her Music Honourable Mentions were also awarded, to Angelique Francis, Jessica Sparvier-Wells, NADUH, Sinzere, and Skye Wallace. Additionally, the Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.) offered a one-year complimentary membership to the two grand prize recipients.
“Winning this award is important to me, because it can inspire other women and girls to reach for their goals,” said LU KALA. “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.”
“I’m deeply honoured to be one of the Her Music Award recipients alongside LU KALA,” said Shakura S’Aida. “I’ve been an independent female artist in the music industry for more than 40 years, and I’ve often felt the need to adapt to shifts and changes of the times in order to find success. How wonderful to be acknowledged and receive recognition at a time when I’ve finally chosen to stand strong in authenticity, without fear of failure. I’m so grateful for the encouragement from my peers, that tells me that I’m on the right track, and that I’m not alone on my journey.”
“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.”
The Her Music Awards is a program designed to celebrate and support female-identifying Canadian music creators on the verge of taking their creative careers to the next level. Applications were judged on a number of factors, including artistic merit, career potential, and impact.