Muhammad Ibadurrohman
The Canadian music industry converged on Toronto for two pivotal events, the Billboard Canada Power Players and Billboard Canada Managers to Watch celebrations, held on June 10 and 11, respectively, as part of the vibrant NXNE festival. These gatherings brought together the nation’s most influential executives, innovative artists, and unsung heroes of the music business, marking a significant moment for recognition, networking, and charting the future course of Canadian sound on a global stage. The events were characterized by insightful discussions, heartfelt tributes, and a blend of traditional accolades with unexpected, memorable moments that underscored the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry.
Billboard Canada Power Players 2026: Honoring Leadership and Legacy
The exclusive celebration for Billboard Canada Power Players took place on June 10 at Toronto’s iconic Rebel venue. This esteemed event recognized the architects and visionaries shaping Canada’s music landscape, acknowledging their strategic leadership, market impact, and unwavering commitment to artists and industry growth. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of collective achievement, as leaders from various sectors—ranging from record labels and live entertainment to artist development and advocacy—gathered to celebrate the 2026 list of honorees.
Among the distinguished individuals in attendance were industry stalwarts such as Gary Slaight, a name synonymous with Canadian music philanthropy and broadcasting, whose extensive contributions through Slaight Music have nurtured countless artists and projects. Also present were Warner Music Canada co-GM Madelaine Napoleone, a rising force in recorded music leadership, and Julie Adam, the President & CEO of Universal Music Canada, who steers one of the country’s largest record labels. The live entertainment sector was well-represented by Live Nation Canada’s Erik Hoffman, Wayne Zronik, and Melissa Bubb-Clarke, whose collective efforts are pivotal in bringing global tours and local talent to stages across Canada. Allan Reid, the President & CEO of CARAS/The Juno Awards, further highlighted the importance of national recognition and artist development. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit and diverse expertise driving the Canadian music ecosystem.
A Historic Induction: Billboard Canada Hall of Fame
A highlight of the Power Players event was the inaugural induction into the Billboard Canada Hall of Fame, a new honor designed to celebrate individuals with decades of profound impact on the nation’s music scene. This year, two titans of the live music industry, Vinny Cinquemani, co-president of Paquin Artists Agency, and Riley O’Connor, chairman of Live Nation Canada, were bestowed with this prestigious recognition. Their careers represent a combined legacy of fostering artist careers, championing live performance, and building robust touring infrastructures across Canada and internationally.
Vinny Cinquemani’s journey in the music business is marked by an exceptional talent for artist representation and development. At Paquin Artists Agency, he has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous Canadian and international acts, navigating complex touring landscapes and securing opportunities that have elevated artists to new heights. His reputation for integrity and strategic foresight has made him a trusted figure among artists and promoters alike.
Riley O’Connor, as the chairman of Live Nation Canada, has been a driving force behind the country’s vibrant live music scene. Under his leadership, Live Nation Canada has expanded its reach, bringing major international tours to Canadian audiences and developing a robust network of venues and festivals. His dedication to creating memorable live experiences and his keen understanding of market dynamics have solidified his status as a pivotal figure in the global concert industry. The induction of Cinquemani and O’Connor into the Hall of Fame was a heartfelt tribute to their enduring influence, acknowledging their roles not just as business leaders but as fervent advocates for artists and the power of live music.
Visionary Leadership and Impact: Recognizing Advocacy and Support
The evening also celebrated leaders whose work extends beyond commercial success, focusing on the infrastructure and advocacy essential for the industry’s health. Meg Symsyk, President and CEO of FACTOR (The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings), received the Visionary Leadership Award, presented by Billboard Canada national editor Richard Trapunski. Symsyk’s recognition came at a particularly significant time, following a "whirlwind month" that exemplified her dedication and leadership.
Just prior to the event, Symsyk had been on a flight from Los Angeles, where she joined Canadian rock legends Rush for their comeback 50th-anniversary tour at The Forum, a testament to her deep connections within the artist community. More crucially, the beginning of the month saw the public announcement that FACTOR and Scotiabank had successfully settled their lawsuit. This resolution was a critical victory, ensuring the continued and often expanded support that FACTOR provides to Canadian artists. FACTOR plays an indispensable role in the Canadian music ecosystem, offering financial assistance for recording, touring, and marketing, thereby enabling countless artists to develop and reach wider audiences. Symsyk’s leadership through these challenges demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the fund’s mission.
In her acceptance speech, Symsyk articulated a profound philosophy of leadership: "When you are surrounded by people who share your values and challenge each other to be better, you discover that leadership is less about pursuing your personal achievements and more about helping others find theirs." She emphasized FACTOR’s broader purpose, stating, "Our work has always been about more than streams and charts and ticket sales and market share." This statement resonated deeply, highlighting the cultural and developmental impact of FACTOR’s initiatives beyond mere commercial metrics.
Margaret McGuffin, CEO of Music Publishers Canada, was honored with the Impact Award for her tireless advocacy. In an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, McGuffin has emerged as a crucial voice, fighting to ensure that Canadian creators are fairly compensated and licensed for their work. Her efforts extend to safeguarding intellectual property rights and ensuring a equitable landscape for music publishers and songwriters in the digital age. Furthermore, her dedication to mentorship has been instrumental in preparing the next generation of industry professionals.
McGuffin’s speech underscored the urgency of her mission: "As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into the creative ecosystem, we must ensure that creators and the companies that invest in them have a voice in shaping the future." She passionately spoke about her career-long commitment: "These are the people I’ve spent my career working with and advocating for. I have the great privilege of working with music publishers, many who are in this room." Her award was a powerful acknowledgment of the ongoing battle to protect artistic integrity and economic viability in a rapidly changing technological environment.
The "Strange" Breakthrough: Angine de Poitrine’s Unforgettable Moment
The Power Players event concluded with a moment that was both historic and undeniably unique: the surprise honor of the Billboard Canada Global Breakthrough Award, presented by FACTOR, to the Quebec-based math rock duo Angine de Poitrine. Following a viral KEXP performance in February that propelled them into international fame, the polka-dot-clad pair, performing under the pseudonyms Khn de Poitrine and Klek de Poitrine, have become a global phenomenon. Their unexpected success and distinctive artistry have made them ubiquitous in the indie music scene, with their KEXP session alone amassing over 16 million views.
When their name was announced, a ripple of curiosity and questions spread through the room of industry veterans, many wondering if the enigmatic duo would truly appear and what their unconventional approach might entail. True to their artistry, Khn and Klek de Poitrine ascended the stage in their signature full black and white polka dot costumes, their music playing as they walked to the microphone. In a bold act of artistic expression, they uttered not a single word. As they lingered, the anticipation mounted, with some expecting a cryptic message in an "otherworldly language." Instead, Khn reached up, touched his hat, and a cascade of black and white confetti erupted, showering the audience in a theatrical flourish. Then, as silently as they arrived, they departed. This wordless, visually striking performance became one of the most talked-about moments of the night, a powerful statement of artistic integrity and the unexpected paths to global breakthrough in the modern music landscape.
Billboard Canada Managers to Watch 2026: The Unsung Heroes Take Center Stage
The celebrations continued on June 11 at SOUNDSTAGE in Toronto, where the Billboard Canada Managers to Watch event shone a much-deserved spotlight on the industry’s "unsung heroes"—the managers who tirelessly work behind the scenes to elevate artists across the country and globally. This gathering followed the release of this year’s coveted Managers to Watch list, highlighting the individuals whose strategic vision, relentless dedication, and profound care are instrumental in building and sustaining artist careers.
Richard Trapunski, Billboard Canada national editor, encapsulated the essence of the event in his opening remarks: "If you want to get something done, call the manager. You are the ones who are closest to the artists, the unsung heroes of the music industry. You have the vision and the tools to open doors and build careers, yet you are rarely in the spotlight yourselves." His words resonated with the audience, acknowledging the vital, often invisible, role managers play in navigating the complexities of the music business, from securing deals and planning tours to managing finances and providing emotional support.
Daniel Caesar’s Emotional Tribute to His Managers
The evening featured a truly remarkable moment when Grammy-winning R&B superstar Daniel Caesar, one of Canada’s biggest success stories of the last decade, made a surprise appearance. Flying directly from Thailand, Caesar arrived to personally honor the two powerhouses who have been with him from the very beginning of his extraordinary journey: his managers, Matthew Burnett and Jordan Evans.
The R&B star, visibly moved, proudly invited both Burnett and Evans onto the stage to crown them Billboard Canada’s 2026 Managers to Watch. His powerful, lasting hugs for each of them spoke volumes about their deep bond, leaving Jordan Evans visibly teary-eyed. It was a rare and poignant public display of gratitude from an artist to the individuals who have helped shape his career and supported his artistic vision.
In his heartfelt speech, Caesar reflected on their shared path: "We’re in the middle of an adventure and I love it so much. If I could bottle up that feeling, I would pay every cent I have to give that feeling to the people I love." This sentiment highlighted the profound personal and professional connection that defines a successful artist-manager relationship.
Matthew Burnett, reflecting on his two-decade working relationship with Evans, humorously remarked that it was "each other’s most successful relationship." He paid a special tribute to Canadian producer Boi-1da, crediting him with giving them their start in the industry as producers. Burnett lauded Daniel Caesar’s unparalleled talent, boasting that "nobody in the world can captivate a room like Daniel Caesar playing acoustic guitar, be it in a small room, an arena or even a stadium." He concluded by emphasizing what he considers the utmost principle of management: care. For Burnett, management extends beyond business logistics; it’s about nurturing talent, protecting an artist’s interests, and fostering a supportive environment for long-term career success. He proudly called Evans and Caesar his brothers and his family, underscoring the familial bonds forged in the demanding world of music.
Recognizing New Talent and Global Reach in Management
The Managers to Watch event also recognized managers who are making significant strides in an ever-evolving industry. Sébastien Collin, the visionary behind Angine de Poitrine, was awarded Manager on the Rise. His rapid success in propelling the math rock duo from Saguenay, Quebec, to global fame is nothing short of remarkable. In just four months, Collin and the band have booked an international tour that has sold over 100,000 tickets worldwide, building on the momentum of their KEXP live performance which garnered over 16 million views.
Collin, accepting his award, expressed pride in their uncompromising music and his hope for its broader impact: "I think we can be proud of the music without compromise and I hope that it will help build bridges. I hope it will put some spotlight on the Quebec scene. We’ve got really nice bands right now, and I hope it will help us find the good bands everywhere." His words highlighted a commitment to artistic authenticity and a desire to showcase the rich, diverse talent emerging from Quebec and beyond.
Meanwhile, Tommas Arnby received the International Manager Award, recognizing his instrumental role in building the global phenomenon that is rock star Yungblud. Arnby’s work exemplifies the complexities and demands of managing a globally touring artist, from strategic album releases and digital campaigns to international tour logistics and brand partnerships. His award underscored the global ambitions and interconnectedness of the modern music industry, where Canadian managers are increasingly making their mark on the world stage.
A Forward-Looking Industry
The Billboard Canada Power Players and Managers to Watch events provided a comprehensive snapshot of the Canadian music industry: a vibrant, resilient, and forward-looking sector. From the seasoned executives shaping policy and major label strategies to the innovative managers discovering and nurturing the next generation of artists, and the breakthrough acts challenging conventions, these events highlighted the diverse forces propelling Canadian music to international prominence. The blend of established leaders, emotional tributes, and unexpected artistic statements reflected an industry that values both legacy and innovation, continually adapting to new technologies and global trends while remaining deeply committed to the artists at its heart. These celebrations not only recognized past achievements but also set an optimistic tone for the future of Canadian music, emphasizing collaboration, care, and the unwavering pursuit of artistic excellence.
