ONTARIO ARTIST APHROSE RECEIVES FIRST TIME JUNO NOMINATION IN ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR CATEGORY FOR ALBUM, “ROSES”

 

ONTARIO ARTIST APHROSE RECEIVES FIRST TIME JUNO NOMINATION IN ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR CATEGORY FOR ALBUM, “ROSES”

FEATURED IN THE TORONTO STAR, 

SIRIUSXM CANADA, THE MORNING SHOW AND MORE!

WATCH “ROSES” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtRJ3jUdxDY

“HER VOICE. SHE’S JUST A VOCAL BEAST” - CBC MUSIC

APHROSE IS AVAILABLE FOR VIRTUAL INTERVIEWS

TORONTO, ON (February 27 2025) - Canadian artist Aphrose (Joanna Mohmmaed) earned her first ever JUNO nomination in the Adult Contemporary Album of the Year category for her sophomore album, “Roses”. Occupying the rare position as one of Canada’s greatest modern vocal talents with a stunning three octave range, Aphrose has provided backup vocals for Canadian Grammy, Soul Train, and JUNO Award winning artist Daniel Caesar, Grammy nominee Jessie Reyez, and Charlotte Day Wilson, and opened for Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida on their Moon vs. Sun tour at the invitation from Kreviazuk herself. With 500,000 streams and counting, Aphrose is a multi-award nominated artist who has received coveted features in the United States on BET (Black Entertainment Television), and The Fader; across European radio with prominent features on BBC, Italy's Radio Capital, and Spain's RTVE; and in some of Canada’s largest media outlets, including The Morning Show, SiriusXM, CBC Music, NOW Toronto, The Toronto Star, and extensively across Canadian radio. CBC Music selected “Roses” as one of their Elite 50 singles in the 2024 Searchlight program, and that same year Aphrose was a participant in the RBCx First Up music program.

Blending timeless sonic elegance with contemporary lyrical relevance, Aphrose routinely draws comparisons to legendary artists including Chaka Khan and Jill Scott, known for their unmistakable range and emotive delivery. Effortlessly oscillating between low and sky-high vocal registers using her stunning range, Aphrose offers listeners both a glimpse into her life and a mirror to their own, sharing her personal journey through love, loss, family, and the joys and challenges of parenthood.

About Roses:

Paying homage to the icons of Soul and R&B while drawing inspiration from the genre's modern iterations, and lyrically inspired by the range of emotions that come with love, loss, and new life, Aphrose innately undertakes the role of serving as both a sonic and familial link between the past and future. On "Roses", an album inspired by the strength and unconditional love from her late grandmother, Rose, the artist illustrates her relatable and personal journey of self-discovery through new motherhood, relationships, and ancestral strength, uniting the energy of the generations before her with her aspirations for herself and her young daughter. With unrivalled versatility, Aphrose constructs a lush and vibrant garden of sound and experience, with the roots of her history firmly planted beneath her. Collaborating with longtime production partners, SafeSpaceship Music (Chino De Villa, Scott McCannell, and Ben MacDonald) and guitarist Heather Crawford (Jesse Reyez), the album features some of Canada's leading vocalists, with background vocals provided by Claire Davis, Kyla Charter (Aysanabee, Alessia Cara), Nevon Sinclair (Daniel Caesar, LOONY), Marla Walters and Lydia Persaud.

About Aphrose:

Standing out as a top R&B/Neo-Soul vocalist, Aphrose (Joanna Mohammed), occupies a rare position as one of Canada's greatest vocal talents. A dedicated student of the diamond age of Soul music, Aphrose infuses her unique blend of classic and modern Soul/R&B with a historically informed touch. Her glistening melodies and rhythms offer the nearly tangible authenticity of analog recordings, and her exceptional and distinct vocal agility routinely draws comparisons to legendary artists including Chaka Khan and Jill Scott, known for their unmistakable range and emotive delivery. Effortlessly oscillating between low and sky-high vocal registers using her stunning three octave range, Aphrose offers listeners both a glimpse into her life and a mirror to their own, sharing her personal journey through love, loss, family, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. Creating music that serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of R&B/Soul, Aphrose blends timeless sonic elegance with contemporary lyrical relevance. 

Aphrose has sung backup for Grammy, Soul Train, and JUNO Award winning artist Daniel Caesar, JUNO Award winner Jesse Reyez, and JUNO Nominee Charlotte Day Wilson. After hearing her music on CBC Radio, Canadian icon Chantal Kreviazuk reached out to invite Aphrose to open for her Moon vs. Sun tour with husband and Our Lady Peace frontman, Raine Maida. Following the release of her debut album, "Element", Aphrose was featured on CBC Music's First Play, in Earmilk, and Exclaim!, and voiced the NBA Finals commercial for Rogers Sportsnet during the 2019 championship games. She was also featured in CBC's 2019 Sounds of the Season. She received her first feature on Black Entertainment Television (BET) in the Fall of 2023, with the video premiere of "Roses" on BETSoul. Her first single of 2023, "Good Love", was a featured selection in the CBC Top 100 Searchlight Competition, and later her song "Roses" was hand-picked as one of CBC Music's weekly "Songs You Need To Hear". "Good Love", and follow up single, "YaYa", both appeared across European radio, with prominent features on BBC, Italy's Radio Capital, and Spain's RTVE. They also received extensive airplay throughout the United States, and have been featured across the CBC Radio network, SiriusXM and non-commercial Canadian radio. With the release of her latest album, "Roses", Aphrose received national acclaim with features on Global's The Morning Show, in Fader, and was chosen as She Does The City's "Artist of The Month".

The 54th Annual JUNO Awards will take place on
March 30 2025 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada.

Connect with Aphrose:

https://www.aphrose.com/

https://www.instagram.com/aphrosemusic/#

https://www.facebook.com/aphrose

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https://open.spotify.com/artist/2rmzhSK2Jh6O406qYuLrd6

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgYhqv8aBOnh6RIbLcY71Zg

https://www.tiktok.com/@aphrosemusic8?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Canada's Leading Music Discovery Fest is bbbback with NXNE30

 

CANADA’S LEADING MUSIC DISCOVERY FESTIVAL

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BILLBOARD CANADA PARENT COMPANY AMG

ANNOUNCE THE FIRST ROUND OF EMERGING SHOWCASING ARTISTS 

FESTIVAL TO TAKE PLACE IN TORONTO JUNE 11-15, 2025

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS: NXNE RETURNS TO SANKOFA SQUARE (FORMERLY YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE) JUNE 12, 2025

THE BILLBOARD LIVE STAGE WILL SPOTLIGHT CHART-TOPPING ARTISTS, HEADLINED BY A MAJOR GLOBAL STAR

NEW PARTICIPATING VENUES ANNOUNCED

NXNE promo image | download here

(Toronto, ON - February 27, 2025) Canada’s iconic music discovery festival, North by Northeast (NXNE), in collaboration with Billboard Canada’s parent company ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG), is proud to reveal the first wave of emerging Canadian and international artists performing at the 30th annual event, taking over Toronto’s premiere live music venues from June 11th - 15th. See below for the full list of confirmed artists for the 2025 season.

In addition to unveiling the first selection of performing acts, NXNE is thrilled to announce its return to Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) for what promises to be an unforgettable 30th Birthday Party musical celebration on The Billboard Live Stage. Scheduled for Thursday, June 12th from 4-9 pm ET, this exciting event will showcase an array of chart-topping talent, culminating in a highly anticipated headline performance by a global music icon. 

“We were honoured to present the first ever concert in the Square when Gord Downie played NXNE in 2003 and we had the biggest crowd ever for Iggy and the Stooges in 2010. With Flaming Lips, St. Vincent, Raekwon and so many great shows, we have a great history at Yonge and Dundas, and we are thrilled to return on our 30th anniversary to the freshly named Sankofa Square to again bring incredible, free live music to the city and the world,” says NXNE president and CEO Michael Hollett.

Adds Amanda Dorenberg, CEO of ArtsHouse Media Group and Billboard Canada; "For 30 years, NXNE has been a defining force in Canada’s music landscape, championing talent and shaping the future of live performance. As Billboard Canada and ArtsHouse Media Group continue to support music’s evolution, we’re proud to celebrate NXNE’s 30th anniversary with the Billboard Live Stage at Sankofa Square, further extending its legacy by giving artists a platform to reach new audiences and make a global impact."

Stay tuned, as more details about this extraordinary stage and celebration will be revealed in the months ahead.  

NXNE at Yonge-Dundas Square in 2010 | Download promo image here

NXNE at Yonge-Dundas Square in 2010 | Download promo image here

Known for being integral in identifying new talent and opening doors for artists on the brink of their big break, NXNE is where rising stars shine in intimate venues before taking their place on the world stage just like festival alumni’s Feist, Lizzo, and The Lumineers. For three decades, the dedicated NXNE team has curated a dynamic and diverse lineup of the most promising musical talent from Canada and around the world, driven by a commitment to provide an immersive, boundary-pushing, exceptional music experience. 

 

The first wave of confirmed showcasing acts for the 2025 festival features talent from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, Aruba, and Ireland. Notable highlights include Vancouver-based comedian and trained opera singer Toddy, Montreal-based singer-songwriter Avery Jane, Welland, Ontario rock’n’roller Andy Colonico, Newfoundland experimental hardcore band The Order of the Precious Blood, and award-winning producer and soul-hop artist B1GJuice.

 

NXNE performer Vancouver-based comedian and trained opera singer Toddy

 

NXNE performer Newfoundland experimental hardcore band The Order of the Precious Blood

 

NXNE performer Montreal-based singer-songwriter Avery Jane

 

This year, the festival is expanding its footprint in the city by adding nine new participating venues to its roster for a total of 23, including NXNE’s official headquarters for 2025, The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen St. W.). Lee's Dance Cave, Lee's Palace, Death & Taxes, Duffy's Tavern, Infinity Room, Rivoli, The Pilot and the Redwood Theatre will also be joining the 14 established locations from previous years. This growth broadens the festival's reach, offering attendees diverse spaces to discover new music and turning the event into a true citywide celebration.

For the 2025 festival season, NXNE offers three ticket options to make great music accessible and inclusive. Priced the same as the festival’s debut in 1995, the NXNE Festival Pass ($29) grants access to all Clubland shows and Artist Development Day panels. The NXNE VIP Pass ($149) includes additional events like VIP access to the 30th birthday party, exclusive networking opportunities, swag bags, and front-of-the-line access to Clubland shows. For the ultimate experience, the NXNE Executive Pass ($499) offers everything in the VIP pass, plus access to the VIP Lounge, exclusive receptions and dinners, and more, along with front-of-the-line access to Clubland shows.

 

NXNE First Wave Announce Poster | download here

The first wave of artists to perform at the 30th annual NXNE festival include;

538st (Vancouver, BC, Canada)

A Cure for Love (Columbus, OH, USA)

A Short Walk To Pluto (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Absolight (Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada)

A Weekend at Ramona’s (Toronto, ON, Canada)

activemirror (Oranjestad, Aruba, CARB)

Adam Ambrose (Vancouver, BC, Canada)

Alena Ciera (Washington D.C, USA)

Alex Dolphin (London, ON, Canada)

Andy Colonico (Welland, ON, Canada)

Attack the Sound (Chicago, IL, USA)

Ash Molloy (Torbay, NL, Canada)

Avery Jane (Montreal, QC, Canada)

B1GJuice (Part of the BitterJuice Collective) (Toronto, ON, Canada)

av club (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Basset (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Beach Season (Calgary, AB, Canada)

Bebe and Oona (Toronto, ON, Canada)

BIG MILK (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Bitch Stick (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Bitter&Broke (Scarborough, ON, Canada)

BlackBudget (Toronto, ON, Canada)

BongoBandana (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Boniface (Winnipeg, MB, Canada)

Bradley Hale (Heidelberg, ON, Canada)

BREE TAYLOR (Mississauga, ON, Canada)

Casual Cries for HELP (Halifax, NS, Canada)

CEC (Winnipeg, MB, Canada)

Certified Bad Guyz (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Chara Kai-Le (Toronto, ON, Canada)

City Circuits (Toronto, ON, Canada)

CMAGIC5 (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Cruel Hope (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Cure-Pipe (Saguenay, Québec, Canada)

Dandelion Highway  (Toronto, ON, Canada)

DAPHNE (Vaughan, ON, Canada)

David San Clair (Drogheda, Louth, IRL)

Dead Roots (Waterloo, ON, Canada)

DEREV (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Diamond Weapon (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Discontinuity  (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Dynesti (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Dov Beck-Levine (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Evan Denley (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Falls for the Elderly (London, ON, Canada)

Feura (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Fleeting Colours (Montreal, QC, Canada)

FRANKIE FLOWERS (Waterloo, ON, Canada)

Full Throttle (London, ON, Canada)

Garrett Neiles (Toronto, ON, Canada)

gee. (Mississauga, ON, Canada)

GODDESS (Hamilton/Toronto, ON, Canada)

Hendrika (Whitehorse, YT, Canada)

Honey Moon (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Hormoans (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Hotfix (Hamilton, ON, Canada)

Jade Hilton (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Jasmine Kiara (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Julie Title (Toronto, ON, Canada)

June Hawthorn (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Junko Daydream (London, ON, Canada)

Karen Lee Andrews (Sydney, NSW, AUS)

KING FALCON (New York, NY, USA)

Laraw (Montreal, QC, Canada)

LeeL (Hillsdale, NJ, USA)

Lennie Rayen (North Bay, ON, Canada)

LESS KILLJOY (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Lightkeeper (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Live Animals (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Living Dead Girl (Peterborough, ON, Canada)

Living Room for Small (Waterloo, ON, Canada)

Lost Faculty (Hamilton, ON, Canada)

Lostvoy (Toronto, ON, Canada)

LTtheMonk (Hamilton, ON, Canada)

LUELLA (Kingston, ON, Canada)

Lunchmeat (Toronto, ON, Canada)

magenta (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Matt Kristan and Elfrida (Hamilton, ON, Canada)

Mawzy (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Max Parker  (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Melo Griffith (Ajax, ON, Canada)

Merv xx Gotti (Regina, SK, Canada)

Miss Mae (Brantford, ON, Canada)

Monstrosa  (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Museums  (Montréal, QC, Canada)

Noise Hotel (Ottawa, ON, Canada)

Orlas (New York, NY, USA)

oui merci (L’Assomption, QC, Canada)

papaya noon (Cardiff, WAL, UK)

Permilla (Niagara Falls, ON, Canada)

Problem Patterns (Belfast, NIR, UK)

Raveen (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Rebecca Sichon  (Vancouver, BC, Canada)

RedFox (Montréal, QC, Canada)

Reno K.O.Q (Queens, NY, USA / Kingston Jamaica)

Sam Louis (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Sea of Lettuce (Calgary, AB, Canada)

Seago (Brampton, ON, Canada)

Shébani (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Spring Colours  (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Sudden Waves (Montreal, QC, Canada)

Summer School (Seattle, WA, USA)

SWiiMS (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Tatum Quinn (Montréal, QC, Canada)

The Blue (Calgary, AB, Canada)

The Codas (Kingston, ON, Canada)

The Holy Gamblers (Toronto, ON, Canada)

The Jailbirds (Mississauga, ON, Canada)

The New Hires (Ottawa, ON, Canada)

The Order of the Precious Blood (St John’s, NL, Canada)

The Satisfactory (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Toddy (Vancouver, BC, Canada)

Tre. Charles (Durham, NC, USA)

TRUSS (Cleveland, OH, USA)

TWIST IT (Philadelphia, PA, USA)

VOYAGR (Buffalo, NY, USA)

Waahli (Montréal, QC, Canada)

Wedding (Toronto, ON, Canada)

Willem James Cowan (London, ON, Canada)

ZOCHI (Regina, SK, Canada)

 

About NXNE:

https://www.nxne.com/

https://www.instagram.com/nxne/

https://www.tiktok.com/@nxnefest

 https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fnxne

North by Northeast (NXNE) has been Canada’s leading festival of music discovery since 1995. Canadian and international stars from Billy Talent, Haviah Mighty and Sam Roberts to Lizzo and The Lumineers all performed critical NXNE showcases early in their careers. Originally formed in partnership with Austin’s SXSW, founder Michael Hollett continues to lead NXNE as president and CEO, along with managing director Barbara Hefler. The festival’s primary goal remains to showcase and support emerging musical talent from Canada and around the world while promoting Toronto’s live music scene.

 

About ArtsHouse Media Group (AMG):

 

ArtsHouse Media Group is a premier music media company and publisher producing bilingual content that resonates with audiences across Canada and beyond. As the parent company of Billboard Canada, Billboard UK, Rolling Stone Quebec, Waveland Canada, Climate Library, and Arts Help, AMG collaborates with diverse creators to elevate voices and deliver compelling narratives. Through innovative storytelling and strategic partnerships, AMG connects local culture with global audiences at the forefront of the new cultural economy, redefining the media landscape.