Goldie Boutilier, Maggie Andrew among big winners at East Coast Music Awards

Cape Breton artists cleaned up at the East Coast Music Awards on Thursday night in Sydney, N.S., and singer-songwriter Goldie Boutilier led the pack.

Boutilier took home the awards for breakthrough artist of the year and album of the year for her recording, “Goldie Boutilier Presents … Goldie Montana.” The latter award was the final prize presented at what is seen as the biggest night in music on Canada’s East Coast.

“The word ‘breakthrough’ means so much to me because before one happens, often chasing your dreams can feel very embarrassing,” she told the audience. “Honestly, the difference between the people who make it and the ones who disappear often is just endurance.”

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“Just because your train is taking longer, doesn’t mean it ain’t coming,” she added as a cheer rose up from the crowd.

The annual awards celebrate musicians from Atlantic Canada and this year’s gala was hosted by comedians Bette MacDonald and Maynard Morrison. The event included performances by R&B singer Jupiter Reign and Indigenous hip-hop group City Natives, as well as a tribute to Celtic group The Barra MacNeils, who were honoured with a lifetime achievement award.

Kellie Loder, from Newfoundland and Labrador, won songwriter of the year. Andre Pettipas, a rock singer from Nova Scotia, won entertainer of the year, an award chosen by fans.

Nigerian Afro-folk singer Blessing Tangban, also based in Nova Scotia, took home the award for African Canadian artist of the year.

Nova Scotia’s Maggie Andrew won pop release of the year for her song, “How to Sing for Money.”

“This is just a testament to doing what you love with people that you love,” Andrew told the crowd. “Good things can happen.”

In all, four awards went to Nova Scotia artists, two went to Newfoundland and Labrador musicians and one each went to artists from Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

Six awards were given to musicians from Cape Breton.

The five-day East Coast Music Awards festival and conference runs until Sunday.