É«É«À²

The Polaris is considered one of the country’s most prestigious music awards.

Previous winners include Kaytranada, Jeremy Dutcher and Haviah Mighty, who hosted this year’s proceedings.

Along with the cash prize, the award gives its winner heightened global awareness for their album.

A new $10,000 Polaris Song Prize was introduced this year, and it was awarded to contemporary folk-poet Mustafa for “Gaza is Calling.”

The song is based on childhood memories of the Sudanese Canadian singer’s friendship with a Palestinian boy in the É«É«À² housing project where they both lived.

The song prize is shared by its Canadian performers and songwriters.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2025.