ECMA Announces 2026 Thursday Night Award Winners at 38th East Coast Music Awards Gala Presented by Rogers

Press Release

May 21, 2026

Sydney, Nova Scotia — The East Coast Music Association celebrated an unforgettable night of Atlantic Canadian music on Thursday, May 21st as the 38th East Coast Music Awards Gala, presented by Rogers, took place live from Centre 200 in Sydney, Cape Breton.

The flagship event of the 2026 ECMA Festival and Conference brought together artists, industry professionals, fans, and community partners from across Atlantic Canada to honour excellence in East Coast music. Hosted as part of ECMA Week, taking place May 20–24, 2026, the gala recognized outstanding achievements across major award categories, including Album of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and more.

Goldie Boutilier of Cape Breton was among the evening’s major winners, taking home both Album of the Year, presented by Rogers, and Breakthrough Artist of the Year, presented by FACTOR. The night also celebrated fan-voted favourites, genre-defining releases, and career-spanning contributions to Atlantic Canadian music, including The Barra MacNeils, who were honoured with the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Tonight was a powerful reminder of the depth, range, and heart of music in Atlantic Canada,” said Bob Hallett, Executive Director of the East Coast Music Association. “From emerging artists to internationally recognized performers and lifelong contributors to our music community, these winners reflect the extraordinary talent and cultural impact of our region. We are proud to celebrate them here in Sydney, Cape Breton, as part of ECMA 2026.”

The 2026 Thursday night ECMA Award winners are:

Album of the Year
Presented by Rogers
Goldie Boutilier — Goldie Boutilier (CB)

African Canadian Artist of the Year
Presented by the African Nova Scotian Music Association
Blessing Tangban (NS)

Breakthrough Artist of the Year
Presented by FACTOR
Goldie Boutilier (CB)

Entertainer of the Year — Fans’ Choice
Presented by TD
Andree Pettipas (NS)

Video of the Year — Fans’ Choice
Presented by TD
Aaron MacDonald — “Beaches & Bands” (CB)

Folk Release of the Year
Presented by Dairy Farmers of Nova Scotia
Lennie Gallant (PEI)

Francophone Artist of the Year
La Famille LeBlanc (NB)

Group of the Year
Presented by Atlantic Lottery
Cassie & Maggie (NS)

Indigenous Artist of the Year
Presented by Membertou First Nation and Eskasoni First Nation
Morgan Toney (CB)

Pop Release of the Year
Presented by Stingray
Maggie Andrew (NS)

Release of the Year
Presented by Craft Beer Collective
Elyse Aeryn (CB)

Songwriter of the Year
Presented by SOCAN
Kellie Loder (NL)

Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award
The Barra MacNeils (CB)

Loud Release of the Year

Presented by Atlantic Music & Merch
The Order of the Precious Blood (NL)

New Brunswick = 1

Cape Breton = 6

Nova Scotia = 4

Newfoundland = 2

Prince Edward Island = 1

The ECMA Awards Gala presented by Rogers is part of the 2026 East Coast Music Awards: Festival & Conference, taking place in Sydney, Nova Scotia from May 20–24. The five-day celebration features live performances, industry conference programming, export showcases, networking events, and community celebrations across Sydney and Cape Breton.

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