Jessie Reyez and Arcade Fire top the list of 2018 Juno nominations

Feb 6, 2018 | Arts

By: Kasandra DaSilva

Toronto native Jessie Reyez is proving that the 2018 Junos will be different this year after being criticized for lack of female representation last year. The rising star is leading the way with four nominations and a live performance during the award show.

The 2018 Juno nominations were revealed by The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science (CARAS) via livestream from The Grand Hall in Toronto Tuesday morning.

The prestigious event is known for showcasing the biggest names in the Canadian music industry.

During the nominee announcement Allan Reid, President of CARAS responded to the criticism of last year’s lack of female nominees and performers.

“There are very important conversations happening in our world right now around gender equality and sexual harassment,” said Reid.

“It is critical that we work collectively as an industry to support a larger representation of women in music and encourage a culture that nurtures their participation and success.”

Two time Juno nominee and Humber College faculty Shirantha Beddage (junoawards.ca)

The head of the Theory and Harmony department at Humber College, Shirantha Beddage , who was a Juno nominee last year, said more female representation is needed.

“I’m absolutely in favour. We have so many world-class female musicians in this country, and they need to be celebrated for their contributions,” he said.

Canadian stars eye the Junos every year in anticipation to win one of the coveted awards.

For Beddage being nominated twice before his Jazz albums was a thriller.

“It’s truly an honour to be nominated for the Junos. I feel fortunate to be in such a vibrant musical community in Canada, and I’m thrilled to be recognized for my work and included in such great company,” he said.

Alongside Reyez, the Canadian trio Arcade Fire also has four nominations for this year’s award show.


Following close behind is the Arkells, Ruth B, and Hedley with three nominations apiece.


The late Tragically Hip band member Gord Downie also has been nominated for three awards for his final solo album, Introduce Yourself.

 

Over the years Humber faculty and alumni have both been nominated for and even won many Juno awards. This year Humber alumni Brad Cheeseman has been nominated for Jazz Album of the Year: Solo, for his album, The Tide Turns.

Beddage had the opportunity to teach Cheeseman while he was a student at Humber, and is impressed in his evolvement.

“His technical proficiency always impressed me, and it’s been a thrill to watch his career take flight,” he said

Here are all the nominees for this year’s Junos.

The 2018 Junos will be taking place March 25 in Vancouver with live music performances from Daniel Caesar, Hedley, and Jessie Reyez.