East Coast Music Awards to hit the stage tonight in Newfoundland capital

By Canadian Press on May 8, 2025.

ST. JOHN’S — The annual East Coast Music Awards has returned to Newfoundland, where the gala awards ceremony and several performances will be presented tonight in St. John’s.

Leading this year’s nominations is Enfield, N.S., rapper Classified with eight nods.

Among the East Coast talent expected on stage tonight will be Classified, Jah’Mila, Kellie Loder and The Ennis Sisters.

The awards show and five-day conference, which started Wednesday, has faced turmoil since last fall when some association members complained about a lack of transparency and representation.

In March, the East Coast Music Association responded by rolling out a six-point plan after several musicians declined their nominations to protest the non-profit’s direction.

Among other things, the association ousted CEO Blanche Israel in January and has pledged to create a member advisory group and a committee on equity and inclusion.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 8, 2025.

The Canadian Press