Nigerian-born Canadian DEBBY FRIDAY wins 2023 Polaris Music Prize
Debby Friday has won the 2023 Polaris Music Prize for the album Good Luck. Photo: Viktor Radics
The Polaris Music Prize, which was presented by CBC Music, goes to the best Canadian album of the year based on artistic merit without regard to genre, sales history or label affiliation. It was determined by a Grand Jury of 11 music media professionals drawn from the greater Polaris jury pool of 205 music media and selecters from across the country. This was the 18th edition of the Polaris Music Prize.
"I am in a state of shock, I haven't full processed it, but I'm ecstatic. I have to say thank you to everyone who had a part in the album in its entirety." - DEBBY FRIDAY, on her win.
The 2023 Polaris Short List was:
Alvvays - Blue Rev
Aysanabee - Watin
Begonia - Powder Blue
Daniel Caesar - Never Enough
Feist - Multitudes
Gayance - Masquerade
Dan Mangan - Being Somewhere
The Sadies - Colder Streams
Snotty Nose Rez Kids - I'm Good, HBU?
DEBBY FRIDAY’S name was revealed by Polaris 2022 winner Pierre Kwenders, capping a night of musical performances at the Polaris Gala. The gala, which was held at Massey Hall in Toronto, Ontario, also featured sets from Short List nominees Aysanabee, Begonia, Debby Friday, Gayance, Dan Mangan, The Sadies, and Snotty Nose Rez Kids. Members of Alvvays were also in attendance. Feist and Daniel Caesar were unavailable due to touring commitments.
“To be a fly on the wall during the Polaris Music Prize Grand Jury discussion is to witness a gathering of brilliant minds collaborating on what constitutes artistic merit through an impassioned and thoughtful conversation. It is an unmatched experience,” said Melissa Vincent, Polaris Jury Foreperson.
“Major congratulations to our winner Debby Friday, and to all of the spectacular artists nominated this year. The act of making music in our current economic ecosystem is a labour of love that comes at a cost — if you have the opportunity, I invite you to consider supporting the work of the artists on this year's Long List and Short List.”
The Polaris Music Prize is a not-for-profit organization that annually honours and rewards artists who produce Canadian music albums of distinction. A select panel of music critics judge and award the Prize without regard to musical genre or commercial popularity.
Previous winners are Pierre Kwenders (2022), Cadence Weapon (2021), Backxwash (2020), Haviah Mighty (2019), Jeremy Dutcher (2018), Lido Pimienta (2017), Kaytranada (2016), Buffy Sainte-Marie (2015), Tanya Tagaq (2014), Godspeed You! Black Emperor (2013), Feist (2012), Arcade Fire (2011), Karkwa (2010), Fucked Up (2009), Caribou (2008), Patrick Watson (2007) and Final Fantasy / Owen Pallett (2006).