The SOCAN Foundation Launches The Inaugural South Asian Music Prize

Canada has a new music prize: the inaugural South Asian Music Price.

This new national award, launched by the SOCAN Foundation and presented by SiriusXM Dhamaka, recognizes emerging South Asian music creators in Canada.

Applications for the South Asian Music Prize are now open, with a submission deadline of June 1, 2026. Full guidelines and application details are available here.

One recipient will be selected by a jury of music industry professionals to receive a $10,000 cash prize, visibility through the award's national press campaign, travel support and ongoing career development support from SOCAN Foundation.

Submissions are open to music creators of all genres, including solo artists, songwriters, composers, and collectives (all members must meet eligibility requirements). Applicants must submit original works composed within the past two years to which they have meaningfully contributed and hold a share of ownership.

“Canada’s South Asian music community is driving important creative energy and cultural innovation, both here at home and on the global stage,” says Charlie Wall-Andrews, executive director of SOCAN Foundation. “The South Asian Music Prize reflects a commitment to supporting emerging music creators whose artistry, perspectives and contributions are helping shape the future of music in Canada and beyond. At a time when visibility, opportunity, and meaningful support matter deeply, this prize is about creating space for growth and recognition."

The prize represents the growth of South Asian music in Canada, which has notably become a major hub for Punjabi music especially. In her role as an assistant professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, Wall-Andrews, recently helped develop a TMU course on South Asian superstar Diljit Dosanjh. The first-ever university course dedicated to a Punjabi artist, it was launched in January in partnership with Billboard Canada and is taught by national editor Richard Trapunski.

Now, with The SOCAN Foundation, she's helping support the next generation of superstars alongside SiriusXM's Dhamaka, a dedicated satellite radio hub for South Asian music.

“We’re proud to support the South Asian Music Prize and celebrate the depth and diversity of South Asian music,” says Michelle Mearns, SVP of programming & operations at SiriusXM Canada. “Through SiriusXM Dhamaka, we’ve made a commitment to amplifying Canadian South Asian artists and connecting audiences to the sounds shaping the culture today. This award is a natural extension of that mission — recognizing excellence and bringing this vibrant music to an even broader audience.”

The recipient of the inaugural South Asian Music Prize will be announced later this year.