ST. JOHN’S — Atlantic Canadian music stars Classified, Kellie Loder, and Maggie Andrew were among the top winners at the 2025 East Coast Music Awards on Sunday, as the weeklong celebration of the region’s music scene wrapped up in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Classified, from Nova Scotia, claimed multiple awards, including Solo Artist of the Year, Producer of the Year, and Rap/Hip-Hop Release of the Year for his song Sure Enough. He also won Release of the Year for his track Amnesia.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Kellie Loder took home the TD Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year award and Fans’ Choice Video of the Year.
Halifax’s Maggie Andrew won African Canadian Artist of the Year and Rock/Alternative Release of the Year.
During her acceptance speech for the Rock/Alternative Release award, Andrew shared a memorable moment from the weekend. “I got a codfish tattooed on my arm this weekend. I played on this stage last night. And I have whiplash today, so this Rock/Alternative Release of the Year is very fitting,” she said with a smile.
Sunday’s awards ceremony also featured performances from St. John’s singer-songwriter Baraka, Prince Edward Island’s Noah Malcolm, and the French-Canadian duo from St. John’s, Port-Aux-Poutines.
Earlier in the week, the first round of East Coast Music Award winners were announced at a ceremony on Thursday night, which began with a tribute to Mark Hiscock, a beloved accordionist who passed away last week in St. John’s.
The awards and five-day music conference were not without controversy, however. Last fall, members of the East Coast Music Association (ECMA) raised concerns about a lack of transparency and representation. In January, the ECMA dismissed CEO Blanche Israel, sparking backlash from members who praised her efforts in promoting diversity and inclusivity. Several musicians, including Wolastoqiyik tenor Jeremy Dutcher, withdrew their nominations in protest, demanding more clarity on the organization’s direction.
Formed over 30 years ago to support local artists and run the awards, the ECMA has faced criticism for being out of touch with the current music scene. Some argue that the association focuses too much on folk and rock music, neglecting the growing diversity of genres in the region.
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