The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame (CSHF) has announced Nemahsis and Montreal duo Rau_Ze as the recipients of the 2025 Breakthrough Songwriter Award. The annual prize, established in 2017, recognizes emerging songwriters whose work is shaping the future of Canadian music.
Nemahsis, the Anglophone recipient, has quickly become one of the most distinctive voices in Canadian music. The Palestinian-Canadian singer-songwriter released her debut album Verbathim in 2024, earning critical acclaim and praise from artists including Stevie Wonder and Elton John. This year, she capped off a sold-out North American tour and took home two JUNO Awards, including Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Her work is noted for its exploration of identity, faith, and belonging, and she was recently named Women in Music’s Artist of the Year.
Representing the Francophone category is Rau_Ze, the Montreal-based duo of Rose Perron and Félix Paul. Their debut album Virer nos vies won the 2024 ADISQ Félix for R&B/Soul Album of the Year and the 2025 Prix Félix-Leclerc, cementing them as a major force in Quebec’s music scene. Known for blending R&B, neo-soul, jazz, and hip-hop, their songs tackle themes of mental health, love, and feminism. They have played over 125 shows, including sets at Francos de Montreal, FEQ, and Osheaga, and recently signed with Wagram Music’s WLab to expand their presence in Europe.
Nick Fedor, Executive Director of the CSHF, said the award “celebrates and supports the next generation of Canadian songwriters, reflecting our mission to honour both the legacy and the future of Canadian music.”
Each winner receives a $7,500 cash prize and global exposure through Amazon Music playlisting and resources, with support from the SOCAN Foundation.
Both artists will be honoured during the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Legends Induction Series, with events scheduled for October 17 at Toronto’s Meridian Arts Centre and November 17 at Montreal’s Espace St-Denis. The induction series will also celebrate icons such as Jane Siberry, Triumph, and Michel Pagliaro, bridging generations of Canadian songwriters in one evening.
