Nothing, it seems, will rob queer, feminist rapper Calamine of the momentum generated by the release of her first solo album Boulette Proof in 2020 – especially with the addition of yet another honour to her already long list of distinctions, including the Révélation Rap Radio-Canada 2021, and being a finalist at Francouvertes.
This time, she’s won the 2021 Prix Félix-Leclerc which was officially awarded to her on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, immediately after her show during the Francos de Montréal.
Calamine thus becomes the latest in a long list of young singer-songwriters who’ve benefited from the perks that come with this prize, awarded simultaneously to a Québécois and a French (from France) artist – Élia being this year’s winner of the cross-Atlantic counterpart.
SOCAN has once again partnered with the Prix Félix-Leclerc by awarding Calamine a $2,500 cash prize, presented to her in person by SOCAN A&R executive Sara Dendane. The cash prize is one of the many benefits attached to this award; the singer-songwriter also gets another $2,500 cash prize from Groupe Editorial Musinfo, an invitation to perform at the Francofolies de La Rochelle, as well as a $25,000 cash prize from Cogeco Média.
The winner of the Prix Félix-Leclerc is chosen by a jury of journalists and industry representatives selected by the FrancoFolies de Montréal. Calamine was a finalist, alongside peers and SOCAN members Clay and Friends, Laurence-Anne, Lumière, Raccoon, Robert Robert, Thierry Larose, and Vendou.
Congratulations, Calamine!