Canada’s Music Industry Celebrates Key Achievements at Billboard Canada Power Players 2026 Event
On June 10, influential leaders in Canada’s music industry convened at Toronto’s Rebel for the Billboard Canada Power Players event, part of NXNE. The evening was marked by emotional speeches, heartfelt tributes, and a surprising honor that concluded the festivities.
Attendance of Notable Power Players
The event saw the presence of many individuals recognized in the 2026 Power Players list, including Gary Slaight, Warner Music Canada co-GM Madelaine Napoleone, Universal Music Canada president and CEO Julie Adam, Live Nation Canada’s Erik Hoffman, Wayne Zronik, Melissa Bubb-Clarke, and Allan Reid of the Junos/CARAS.
Rising Stars and Surprising Moments
Quebec-based math rock duo Angine de Poitrine, known for their viral KEXP performance in February, received the Billboard Canada Global Breakthrough Award, presented by FACTOR. The duo, clad in polka-dot costumes, took the stage but did not speak. Instead, Khn de Poitrine touched his hat, triggering a burst of confetti that delighted the audience.
Honoring Industry Icons
Vinny Cinquemani, co-president of Paquin Artists Agency, and Riley O’Connor, chairman of Live Nation Canada, were recognized as the first-ever inductees into the Billboard Canada Hall of Fame for their decades-long commitment to the industry and its artists.
Meg Symsyk, president and CEO of FACTOR, accepted the Visionary Leadership Award. She shared her recent experience flying from Los Angeles, where she attended Rush’s 50th-anniversary tour. Symsyk emphasized the importance of collaboration in leadership, stating that true leadership is about helping others achieve their goals rather than pursuing personal accolades.
Recognizing Advocacy and Mentorship
Margaret McGuffin, CEO of Music Publishers Canada, received the Impact Award for her advocacy in ensuring fair compensation for Canadian creators amid the rise of artificial intelligence in the industry. She highlighted the need for creators and their supporters to have a voice in shaping the future of the music landscape.
Celebrating Management Excellence
The following day, on June 11, the Billboard Canada Managers to Watch event took place at SOUNDSTAGE in Toronto. Richard Trapunski, national editor of Billboard Canada, praised managers as the unsung heroes of the music industry, emphasizing their crucial role in supporting artists.
Daniel Caesar made a surprise appearance to honor his managers, Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans, who were named Billboard Canada’s 2026 Managers to Watch. Caesar expressed his gratitude, stating, “We’re in the middle of an adventure and I love it so much.”
Burnett humorously referred to his partnership with Evans as “each other’s most successful relationship,” celebrating two decades of collaboration. He acknowledged Canadian producer Boi-1da for their initial break in the industry and praised Caesar’s ability to captivate audiences.
Rising Talent in the Industry
Sébastien Collin, recognized as this year’s Manager on the Rise, has played a pivotal role in the success of Angine de Poitrine, who have sold over 100,000 tickets for their international tour. Collin expressed pride in showcasing Quebec’s music scene and hopes to highlight emerging talent.
Tommas Arnby received the International Manager Award for his contributions to the global rise of rock star Yungblud.
For more details, visit Billboard.
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Published on 2026-06-13 02:49:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk