HAIDEE wins Edmonton Music Prize
May 2, 2024
RECIPIENTS OF THE CITY OF EDMONTON MUSIC PRIZE
We were pleased to have our very own Executive Director, Carly Klassen present the Edmonton Music Award last night to HAIDEE at the Varscona Theatre. Alberta Music is proud to have partnered with the Edmonton Arts Council for this great prize.
The presentation included the Edmonton Arts Prizes partner organizations and Councillor Sarah Hamilton, sipiwiyiniwak Ward. “On behalf of City Council and our entire city, a big congratulations to this year’s Arts Prize winners.” Said Councillor Hamilton. “Edmonton is proud to be the home of such diverse and skilled artists.”
Each of the twelve nominated artists received a prize, with $15,000 going to the primary prize recipient in each category, and two secondary prizes of $5,000 awarded to the runners-up. In total, $100,000 was awarded to the artists.
Primary winner:
HAIDEE for This Shouldn’t Be Typical
Hailing from a small town in the Philippines, HAIDEE’s passion for music started in karaōke, singing contests, and Sunday worship services. At 16, she embarked on a life-changing journey to reunite with her mother in Edmonton, where music became her constant companion in an otherwise unfamiliar environment. Driven by a deep sense of representation as a woman of colour, HAIDEE strives to empower her listeners through her music, sparking meaningful conversations and making them feel seen.
HAIDEE’s debut album This Shouldn’t Be Typical is inspired by her experiences, as well as her family’s, as first-generation immigrants in Canada.“I’ve watched my parents go from being prominent members of our community back home in the Philippines to moving to Edmonton, starting all over again with next to nothing. I appreciate all their sacrifices so I told myself I will not write songs just for me, but for the communities I belong to as well.”
Runners up:
Arlo Maverick for Blue Collar
Home Front for Games of Power