SOCAN Foundation was pleased and proud to present singer-songwriters Anjulie (signed to Sony Music Publishing Canada) and Kaïa Kater with a $10,000 cash prize each, as recipients of the 2025 Her Music Awards, sponsored by Anthem Entertainment. Thanks to Anthem’s support, the award was increased from $5,000 to $10,000 for the first time this year, in celebration of the honour’s fifth anniversary. Additionally, SAC (the Songwriters Association of Canada) offered a one-year complimentary membership to each of the two grand prize winners.
Anthem Entertainment CEO Jason Klein and 2024 Her Music Award winner Shakura S’Aida announced the recipients at an intimate, in-person celebration at the George Restaurant in downtown Toronto, on April 9, 2025.
“We’re thrilled to present Anjulie and Kaïa Kater with this year’s Her Music Awards, which celebrate inspiring music creators who are building remarkable momentum in their careers,” said Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director, SOCAN Foundation. “We’re also deeply grateful for the continued support from Anthem Entertainment, whose investment empowers women music creators across Canada to thrive and shape the future of our industry.”
“I’m truly honoured to receive one of this year’s Her Music Awards. Canadian women in music have inspired me so much throughout my career,” said Anjulie. In a heartfelt speech, she thanked her family for encouraging her to be unapologetically authentic – one of the qualities she credits for her success.
L-R: Margaret McGuffin, Jennifer Brown
“It’s an incredible honour to be one of the Her Music Award recipients, alongside the incredible Anjulie,” said Kaïa Kater. “As a Black Grenadian-Canadian songwriter and banjo player, I want to serve as a career model for an independent, creative, experimental musical approach, valuing collaboration and artistic excellence in all aspects of the job. There’s so much more to do, and what a blessing it is to get to do it. Thank you/merci you to all involved for their support and belief in me, as they help propel me along this path.”
For the first time, the SOCAN Foundation also presented a Her Music Award to a music ecosystem leader. SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown took to the podium to present the inaugural Industry Leadership Her Music Award to Margaret McGuffin, CEO of Music Publishers Canada. This recognition celebrates outstanding contributions to the industry, and transformative impact on the careers of music creators and publishers.
“Margaret has had a tremendous influence on the Canadian music industry, not just through her leadership, but through her vision, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the next generation,” said Brown. “She’s opened doors, created spaces, and championed emerging songwriters, composers, and music publishers in a way that has truly made a difference.”
The Her Music Awards is designed to celebrate and support female-identifying Canadian music creators on the verge of taking their creative careers to the next level. Applications are judged on a number of factors, including artistic merit, career potential, and impact.