Mustafa, Nemahsis, Lou-Adriane Cassidy among artists vying for Polaris Music Prize

By Canadian Press on September 16, 2025.

TORONTO — Albums from 10 critically acclaimed Canadian acts will compete for the Polaris Music Prize tonight.

The winner of the $30,000 award for best homegrown album is chosen by an 11-person jury, irrespective of genre or sales.

Organizers say they lowered the 2025 cash prize from the $50,000 handed out in recent years because several sponsors reduced their financial contributions.

Among this year’s contenders are several prominent artists, including Toronto-raised contemporary folk-poet Mustafa, Toronto-based alt-pop singer Nemahsis and Montreal electronic experimentalist Marie Davidson.

The Quebec nominees include singer-songwriter Lou-Adriane Cassidy, indie pop pair Bibi Club and psychedelic rockers Population II.

The other contenders are Montreal-based Yves Jarvis, Anishinaabe-led Montreal duo Ribbon Skirt, Toronto punk outfit the OBGMs and soul-pop artist Saya Gray.

The Polaris will be handed out tonight during a concert showcase held at Toronto’s Massey Hall. The gala is set to be hosted by 2019 winner Haviah Mighty.

This year, organizers will also introduce a $10,000 Polaris Song Prize, with the winner to be announced just before the album of the year is named.