In Junos first, albums vying for top prize sung in four languages

When Inuk singer Elisapie embarked on recording her album of pop covers in Inuktitut, she never imagined that she would be making history at the Juno Awards. However, this weekend, the Montreal-based singer-songwriter will be heading to Vancouver to be a part of a significant milestone for language representation at the prestigious awards show.

For the first time in its 55-year history, the Junos have recognized projects featuring four different languages in the Album of the Year category. This year’s nominees include albums sung in English, French, Punjabi, and Inuktitut. The diversity in languages represented in this category is a testament to the multicultural fabric of Canada’s music industry.

Among the nominees for Album of the Year are two English-language albums: country artist Joss Ross’s “Complicated” and Calgary pop star Tate McRae’s “Think Later.” Additionally, there is a francophone album by Quebec singer Roxane Bruneau titled “Submergé.” Toronto rapper Sukha’s debut EP “Undisputed,” performed in Punjabi, rounds out the diverse selection of nominees.

Elisapie’s album, “Inuktitut,” features a collection of popular rock and pop hits translated into her native language. Each song holds a special childhood memory for her, with tracks like Metallica’s “The Unforgiven” resonating as an Inuk story that her mother shared with her. The album’s inclusion in the Album of the Year category is a testament to the power of language and cultural representation in music.

The nominees for Album of the Year were determined based on sales and streaming numbers compiled through data tracker Luminate. This means that each nominated album has already proven its appeal to local listeners, reflecting the diverse tastes and preferences of Canadian music fans.

Roxane Bruneau, whose album “Submergé” is nominated in the category, expressed her surprise and gratitude for being recognized alongside artists from different linguistic backgrounds. She believes that the inclusion of albums in multiple languages reflects a sense of unity and inclusivity in Canadian music.

Sukha’s success with “Undisputed” showcases the growing popularity of Punjabi music in Canada, with his single “8 Asle” gaining significant traction on streaming platforms and YouTube. Universal Music Canada’s CEO Julie Adam attributes this success to technological advancements that have made it easier for musicians to create and distribute music online.

The diverse representation of languages in this year’s Album of the Year category highlights the rich tapestry of cultures and communities that make up Canada’s music scene. With nearly 37 million people in Canada, the recognition of albums in English, French, Punjabi, and Inuktitut underscores the country’s cultural diversity and inclusivity.

Elisapie’s album “Inuktitut” exemplifies the power of language in music, connecting her childhood memories in an Inuit community with beloved English radio hits. Her performance at last year’s Juno Awards, where she won the award for contemporary Indigenous artist, was a powerful moment that showcased the beauty and richness of Inuktitut language.

As the music industry continues to evolve and embrace diversity, the recognition of albums in multiple languages at the Juno Awards signifies a positive shift towards inclusivity and representation. Elisapie hopes that this year’s nominations will pave the way for more artists to celebrate their languages and cultural heritage on a national stage, creating a more vibrant and inclusive music community for years to come.