Folk Alliance International (FAI), the foremost global nonprofit for folk music, has announced the recipients and nominees for the 2025 International Folk Music Awards (IFMAs). The awards ceremony will be held on February 19, 2025, marking the opening night of FAI’s 37th annual conference in Montréal, QC.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Awards honor:
- Indigo Girls, GRAMMY Award-winning and seven-time GRAMMY-nominated folk icons whose four RIAA platinum albums have solidified their place in folk history.
- Lesley Riddle, the African-American musician who collaborated with the Carter Family, profoundly influencing the sound of American folk music.
- Songlines, the celebrated magazine marking its 25th anniversary of covering global roots music.
Best of 2024 Nominees
Artist of the Year nominees include:
- Flamy Grant, drag queen and 2023 Kerrville New Folk Competition winner.
- GRAMMY Award-winner Sarah Jarosz, whose captivating performances lit up Jimmy Kimmel Live! this fall.
- Rising Canadian-Grenadian folk star Kaïa Kater.
- Nick Lowe, hailed as “one of the greatest living songwriters” by NPR.
- Crys Matthews, winner of the 2022 IFMA Song of the Year.
- Allison Russell, GRAMMY Award-winner and Hadestown Broadway cast member.
Album of the Year contenders feature Sierra Ferrell, The Heart Collectors, Kaïa Kater, Aoife O’Donovan, Ordinary Elephant, and Susan Werner, showcasing a vibrant spectrum of folk music excellence.
Song of the Year nominations spotlight impactful works from Tenzin Choegyal, Connie Kaldor, Rhiannon Giddens, Tom Paxton & John McCutcheon, and Tom Prasada-Rao.
Special Awards and Honors
- People’s Voice Award: Gina Chavez, celebrated for her unapologetic embrace of social and political themes in her music.
- Rising Tide Award: Afro-Cuban duo OKAN, whose work embodies the values of the folk music community.
- Spirit of Folk Awards: Honorees include Tom Power, Alice Randall, Annie Capps, and the Innu Nikamu festival.
- Clearwater Award: River Roads Festival in Easthampton, MA, recognized for its leadership in sustainable event production.
- Folk Radio Hall of Fame Inductees: Archie Fisher, MarySue Twohy, Taylor Caffrey, and posthumously Matthew Finch and Chuck Wentworth.
Official Showcase Artists and Conference Highlights
The conference, held at Montréal’s Queen Elizabeth Hotel, will feature over 175 artists from 38 countries, 19 U.S. states, and all 13 Canadian provinces. Notable performers include Ron Sexsmith, Mimi O’Bonsawin, Connie Kaldor, Vienna Teng, Basia Bulat, Steve Poltz, Lady A, and Bella’s Bartok.
FAI Executive Director Jennifer Roe stated, “The recipients and nominees reflect the richness, breadth, and cultural impact of folk music. Folk music is the voice of the people, and this year’s awards and showcases amplify those voices beautifully.”
Join the Celebration
For a complete list of showcase artists: Official Showcase Artists
The Folk Alliance International Conference will run February 19-23, 2025.
