Jessie Reyez Will Be Honoured with the Trailblazer Award at Billboard Canada Women in Music 2024

A true champion for positive change in music will be honoured at Billboard Canada Women in Music on September 7, 2024.

Jessie Reyez will accept the Trailblazer Award, an honour awarded to a female artist who acts as a music industry pioneer by using her platform to spotlight unheard voices and break ground for future generations of performers.

The Canadian singer straddles the worlds of hip-hop, R&B and pop and has proven to be a big star both on and off stage. She’s hit the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Canadian Hot 100 multiple times, while also appearing on a number of other charts in genres including Latin, R&B and Dance. She’s collaborated and toured with artists from Billie Eilish to Eminem, Big Sean and Sam Smith. She’s been a hitmaker behind the scenes, too, penning songs for artists including Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa.

On and offstage, Jessie Reyez has used her platform to speak up against systemic inequality – from lack of diversity on the staff of major labels to immigration issues to LGBTSQ+ rights. She’s spoken about the ways women are often taken advantage of in the music industry. Her music is resonating worldwide while acting as a catalyst for change.

Reyez was previously honoured with the Impact Award at Billboard Women in Music in 2020, accepting during the virtual ceremony while speaking about the ways she’s had to break through barriers as a woman in music.

“I’ve always said that being born a woman on this earth is like being born walking uphill,” she said. “There are so many burdens and bags that we carry and manage to do so with grace.”

Reyez is a true trailblazer in both Canada and beyond, giving back to her community in a variety of different ways. She’s an advocate of programs like The Remix Project, which supports underrepresented emerging artists, and a crucial voice on issues like mental health programs for artists.

Previous winners of the Trailblazer Award include Phoebe Bridgers, Kesha and Janelle Monae. Reyez will accept the award at the first edition of Billboard Women in Music in Canada.

The ceremony will also include guest of honour Alanis Morissette, who will win the Icon Award. The star-studded event will celebrate previously announced honourees Allison Russell, LU Kala, The Beaches and more yet-to-be-announced.

The party takes place on September 7, 2024 at DPRTMNT in partnership with INK Entertainment. Tickets are now available here.