Music Nova Scotia Music & Industry Award: Alumni Winners
Of the 2023 Music Nova Scotia Music & Industry Awards, over half the nominees were NSCC alumni. We love seeing your talent and hard work being recognized. A special congratulations to the grads who took home awards earlier this month.
Jah'Mila
Originally from Jamaica, Jah’Mila also known as Jhamiela Smith (Business Admin '20), received two awards. The Reggae singer was awarded New Artist of the Year for Roots Girl and African Nova Scotian Artist of the Year.
"Receiving the Creative Nova Scotia and Music Nova Scotia Awards is a tremendous honor, validating my dedication and the support from NSCC and the East Coast community. Grateful for the opportunities these awards bring,” says Jah’Mila.
Nicole Ariana
Alternative R&B/pop artist, Nicole Ariana (Music Arts '13) also received two awards. She was awarded Music Video of the Year for Shameless and R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for Crybaby.
"I am so honoured to have received two awards at NS Music Week 2023! Crybaby is my first full length album and to be recognized by my peers for RnB Album of the Year and Music Video of the Year feels incredible. It wouldn't have been possible without the education and support I have received over the years from NSCC and the Music Arts teachers and community,” says Nicole.
Good Dear Good
All alumni pop-rock band, Good Dear Good, was awarded Pop Recording of the Year for Arrival. The band includes Music Arts alumni Tim Hatcher (’18), Brandon MacDonald (’18), Izra Fitch (’17), and Connor Booth (’17).
“Winning Pop Recording of the Year means so much to all of us. With the pandemic and other obstacles getting in the way It feels like it took forever to get this collection of work together and released, so to have this recognition means the world. We had a lot of talented and supportive people in our corner, and we can’t thank them enough for their love and support in helping us get to where we are. Now onto the next one,” says Tim.
Nik MacDonald
Recent grad, Nik MacDonald (Music Arts ’22, Music Business ’23) was awarded Emerging Industry Professional of the Year. He and fellow Music Business classmates started a record label, Lulo Music Group, and signed Good Dear Good – which included releasing their award-winning Arrival album.
"Being recognized as Music Nova Scotia's Emerging Industry Professional of the Year only after having recently graduated Music Business at NSCC is a testament to the quality of the program, its instructors and the opportunities provided in gaining first-hand experience in the industry. I would also like to recognize my time in Music Arts program, working for Halifax Jazz Festival and the mentorship of Sheri Jones and the team at Jones & Co for all helping me get to where I am today," says Nik.
Peanut Butter Sunday
The talent that makes Peanut Butter Sunday includes Micheal Saulnier (Music Business ’17), André Leblanc (Music Business ’17), Normand Pothier and Jacques Blinn. The pop-punk Acadian band was awarded Prix de l’Acadie.
Kilmore
Dan Doran (Electrical Construction and Industrial '02, Apprenticeship '12), Neil Spence (Radio TV Art '07), Heather Harris and Jon MacIsaac are the musicians that form the rock band, Kilmore. They were awarded Loud Recording of the Year for From the Inside.
Find the full list of the 2023 Nova Scotia Music & Industry Award winners on the Music Nova Scotia website.