Honey Jam’s Ebonnie Rowe to be honoured

The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) announced today that the 2021 Trailblazer Award is being given to Honey Jam’s Ebonnie Rowe in a virtual ceremony in Toronto on June 23.

Operating since 1975, CIMA represents and advocates for the interests of the independent Canadian music and sound recording industry.

The Trailblazer Award acknowledges an individual who has demonstrated leadership and action with respect to building equity in the music industry.

In particular, the award will recognise the individual who was instrumental in raising consciousness within the music industry with regard to issues of equity and influential in providing guidance and potential solutions to breaking down barriers and paving the way for increased equity.

On learning of the announcement, Rowe said: “This is such an incredible honour to have been nominated and then chosen by my peers in the industry to receive this award, particularly at a time in history when equity, inclusion and diversity are being given increased attention and profile as we work toward creating a more level playing field for all.

“I’m really proud of all of the work that we’ve done in support of women from all cultures, particularly women of colour and our advocacy for change and equity in consideration for and access to opportunities, the mentorship and educational component of our programming, as well as shining the spotlight on women in fields in the industry that are traditionally male such as engineering/production to show there are no limits to our capabilities and we are taking up space and succeeding in all areas of the industry.”

As it relates to her Barbados events, Rowe indicated they’ve been on hold since 2020 until traditional levels of sponsorship are available gathering protocols increase.

In the interim she will continue to promote and support what the alumni artists have been doing and has also featured alum Ieashia Brown in her Canadian promotions in photos shot by Barbadian photographer and artist Von Hall. (PR)