Halifax-based artist Blessing Tangban has accomplished a lot for someone who has been in Canada for just over a year. She released her first single, Teach Me, performed at the East Coast Music Awards and the Halifax Jazz Festival, joined Nigerian artist Johnny Drille on his Canadian Tour, graduated from Nova Scotia Community College’s (NSCC) music business program, and headlined her first show at The Carleton in Halifax.
If that weren’t enough, Tangban recently released her second single in Canada, Prayer, which “leans into her Christian faith.” “Honestly, I’m just trying to breathe out and exhale through my music, not trying to persuade anybody to follow my beliefs,” she says. “I make authentic music that resonates with my convictions, and I know that there are people out there that can relate to it.”
Tangban’s hard work is paying off, as she has been nominated for five awards at the 2024 African Nova Scotia Music Association Awards (ANSMA), including nods for artist, songwriter, emerging artist, and music video of the year, plus this year’s rising star. “These nominations mean a lot,” says Tangban. “It feels good to be seen and recognized. I’m grateful for the consideration.”
Following the ANSMA Awards, Tangban will perform at Nova Scotia Music Week in Wolfville and release another single and EP in 2025. She will also perform at the Folk Alliance International Artist Showcase in Montreal next year.
Before coming to Canada, the Afro-folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist enjoyed a successful and award-winning career as a recording artist in Nigeria. Determined to expand her reach, Tangban saw the music business program offered at NSCC as an opportunity to help her introduce her music to a new audience. That decision is paying off.
The 2024 African Nova Scotia Music Association Awards will be presented at a ceremony at the Light House Arts Centre in Halifax on October 10. Tickets are now available at eventbrite.ca.
A complete listing of this year’s African Nova Scotia Music Association Awards nominees follows:
Rising Star
Maggie Andrew
Blessing Tangban
HARMZ
Yung St4k
Mayaya
Artist/Group of the Year:
Blessing Tangban
Maggie Andrew
JupiterReign
Kayo
Songwriter of the Year:
Trapitta
HARMZ
aRENYE
Maggie Andrew
Blessing Tangban
Album/EP of the Year:
Kayo – Extended Trip
aRENYE – Full Circle II
HARMZ – Better Watch
Maggie Andrew – Day Job
Trapitta – Home
Single of the Year:
Quoia States – Heartbreak City
Maggie Andrew – About Us
JupiterReign – In A Rush
LDN – Good Life ft. JRDN
Kayo – Forward
Bad Friends – Need
Emerging Artist:
Casual Cries for Help
Blessing Tangban
Quoia States
HARMZ
Bad Friends
Music Video:
Maggie Andrew – Come Clean
Blessing Tangban – Teach Me
Levon the Prince – JUMP
JupiterReign – My Pleasure
LDN – Good Life ft. JRDN