Flashback Fridays
Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe hosted the Junos Opening Night that took place virtually on June 4, 2021. She did an excellent job hosting both Junos Opening Night & The 50th Juno Awards.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Here is my review of the performances and highlights of the awards handed out during the event.
Performances
-Tobi
*Family Matters
*Made Me Everything
His performance was incredible, full of passion. He sang from the heart.
-Lyndsey Ell & Mackenzie Porter
*Want Me Back
*These Days (a duet with Mackenzie Porter)
The two performances were impressive. These two Country singers sing well both on their own and together – their voices are fantastic!
-Klô Pelgag Mélamine
She gave a spirited performance. She sang with edge and style.
-Ammoye, Kirk Diamond & Töme
*Give It All (Ammoye)
*Greater (Kirk Diamond – sings with Ammoye & Töme)
*I Pray (Töme sings with Ammoye & Kirk Diamond)
Ammoye, Kirk Diamond & Töme sang beautifully, both on their own and together. There was a lovely Jamaican vibe in this performance. The music is smooth and rich.
-Crown Lands – End of the Road
The performance by Crown Lands was a powerful one where they pay tribute to the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women & Girls and mention the authorities failing to investigate the deaths. There was also mention of the Highway of Tears. The song has a profound meaning and perspective. The band sang from the heart.
-Monowhales – Old With The Old
Their performance was epic. The group sang with feeling and edge- it ended the show on a bold note.
Awards
-Rock Album of the Year: JJ Wilde Ruthless
-Album Artwork of the Year: Julien Hébert, David Beauchemin, and Marc-Étienne Mongrain for Klô Pelgag’s Notre-Dame-Des-Sept-Douleurs
-Breakthrough Group of the Year: Crown Lands
-Group of the Year: Arkells
-Music Video of the Year: Jessie Reyez & Emma Higgins: No One’s In The Room.
-MusiCounts Inspired Minds Ambassador Award: Gary Slaight
-World Music Album of the Year: Okan – Espiral
–Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year: Leela Gilday – North Star Calling
-Jack Richardson Producer of the Year: Wondagurl
-Songwriter of the Year: The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Belly (Ahmad Balshe) & Jason “DaHeala” Quenneville
-The Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award: Pegi Cecconi
-Classical Composition: Samy Moussa
-Single of the Year: The Weeknd – Blinding Lights
-International Album of the Year: Harry Styles – Fine Line
-Dance Recording of the Year: Kaytranada
-Rap Recording of the Year: Tobi – Elements Vol. 1
(It marks the 30th Anniversary)
Other
The In Memoriam segment was touching and heartfelt. It was lovely that it started with the image of the late Alex Trebek.
The performance by William Prince complimented the segment nicely.
On this note, congratulations again to all the winners. Thank you to the musicians and presenters for the lovely virtual event. I’d also like to say a fantastic job to Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe for hosting the Junos Opening Night.
Happy 50th Anniversary, Junos!
Flora Youssef
