William Prince Wins the JUNO for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year in Halifax

The envelopes were opened at the 2024 JUNO Awards in Halifax and two artists from Manitoba have brought home the hardware! The winners for the 53rd annual awards were announced by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) at the Opening Night Awards on March 23, which was live streamed by CBC Music.

Internationally renowned singer/songwriter William Prince won his second Contemporary Roots Album of the Year award, this time for his latest release, Stand in the Joy (Six Shooter Records). A double nominee this year, he also earned a nod for Songwriter of the Year. These were Prince’s fourth and fifth career nominations. He won Contemporary Roots Album of the Year in 2017 for Earthly Days.

Prince also participated in the prestigious JUNO Songwriters' Circle alongside fellow nominee from Manitoba, Begonia, who sang "Butterfly" during the opening night gala's in memoriam segment.

Brandon-born expat James Ehnes earned his 11th JUNO Award, winning Classical Album of the Year (Solo Artist) for Nielsen: Violin Concerto, Symphony No. 4.

Ontario-based singer/songwriter Aysanabee, a participant in the national sākihiwē Export Accelerator launched by Aboriginal Music Manitoba and Manitoba Music, won Songwriter of the Year and Alternative Album of the Year.

Artists from Manitoba garnered nominations in 10 JUNO categories this year. 2024 nominees Begonia (Adult Alternative Album of the Year), KEN mode (Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year), and Zoon (Contemporary Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year) were in Halifax for the two nights of JUNOfest, along with JUNO Masterclass winner Mattmac.

For a complete list of 2024 JUNO Awards winners, go to junoawards.ca.