Country music talent is alive and well in the Kawarthas region, with five local artists nominated for the Country Music Association of Ontario’s 2025 CMAOntario Awards.
Hosted by Jason McCoy, the CMAOntario Awards Show at The Music Hall in Hamilton will close out the 13th annual CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend from May 30 to June 1, featuring concerts, open stages, and an industry conference.
Elyse Saunders from Peterborough, who was named Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMAOntario Awards, is up for the same award again, as well as for Single of the Year (for “Never Have I Ever”), Songwriter of the Year (with Jason Blaine for “Never Have I Ever”), and Music Video of the Year (for “Never Have I Ever”).
Sacha (Sacha Visagie) from Warkworth has received nominations for Single of the Year (“Hey Mom I Made It”), Female Artist of the Year, and Fans’ Choice. Sacha will also headline the Bonfire show on May 31 during the CMAOntario Festival & Awards Weekend.
Tebey (Tebey Solomon Ottoh) from Peterborough is nominated for Single of the Year (“Blinding Lights (Country Version)”), Songwriter of the Year (with G. Palmer, S. Walker, and D. Dupelle for “Hangover at My Place”), Music Video of the Year (for “Blinding Lights (Country Version)”), and Fans’ Choice.
Daryl Scott from Douro and Jesse Slack from Peterborough are nominated for Songwriter of the Year, along with Owen Riegling, for their work on Riegling’s song “Moonshines,” which is also up for Single of the Year. Scott also received a Songwriter of the Year nomination at the 2024 CMAOntario Awards along with Jade Eagleton.
VIDEO: “Never Have I Ever” – Elyse Saunders
