Six Manitoba Musicians Secure Juno Award Nominations
This year, six exceptional musicians from Manitoba have received nominations for the prestigious Juno Awards. The nominations were revealed by the national music awards’ committee, with the winners set to be announced on March 28 and 29, 2026, in Hamilton, Ontario.
Manitoba’s Nominated Artists at the Junos
Begonia’s Continued Recognition
Begonia, the dynamic pop project of Winnipeg’s Alexa Dirks, is nominated for Adult Alternative Album of the Year for her work titled Fantasy Life. This recognition marks her third nomination in this category, following her previous nods in 2021 and 2024 for her albums Fear and Powder Blue, respectively.
- Category: Adult Alternative Album
- Other Nominees: Bahamas, Patrick Watson, the Barr Brothers, The Weather Station
Sebastian Gaskin’s Potential Repeat Win
Sebastian Gaskin, hailing from the Tetaskweyak Cree Nation, is once again nominated for Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year. Last year, he won this award, and he is poised to potentially repeat his success. Gaskin is currently based in Toronto.
- Other Nominees: Shawnee Kish, Siibii, Tia Wood, Aysanabee
William Prince Aims for Third Award
William Prince is seeking his third Juno in the Contemporary Roots Album category for his album Further From the Country. This album was produced at Winnipeg’s No Fun Club with noted producer Liam Duncan, and it has earned Prince his sixth nomination overall.
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra’s First Nomination
For the first time, the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra has been nominated for Jazz Album of the Year with their eighth album, East Meets West: Connections. This collection features a collaboration with renowned composers from Montreal and Vancouver.
Emerging Talents: Hayley Gene Penner and Karen Kosowski
Hayley Gene Penner, a Winnipeg-born songwriter now residing in Los Angeles, is nominated for Non-Performing Songwriter of the Year. Her credits include work with prominent artists like Teddy Swims and Lily Allen.
Meanwhile, Karen Kosowski, based in Nashville, has received a nomination for Jack Richardson Producer of the Year for her production work with country artists including Meghan Patrick and Mickey Guyton.
Overview of the Juno Awards
The Juno Awards, celebrating excellence in the Canadian music industry, will culminate in a gala event on March 28 and a live broadcast on March 29, 2026, hosted by comedian Mae Martin. Since their inception in 1971, the Junos have recognized outstanding artistic achievements across various genres within the Canadian music scene.
With their impressive nominations, Manitoba’s artists are poised to make a significant impact at the upcoming Juno Awards. Fans can anticipate an exciting celebration of Canadian talent in Hamilton later this month.
