Mi’kmaw artist leads Nova Scotia Music Week with handful of nominations

Cape Breton musician Morgan Toney has five nominations for Nova Scotia Music Week.

Nova Scotia Music Week (NSMW) 2025 kicks off Thursday in Yarmouth.

Cape Breton Mi’kmaw artist Morgan Toney has garnered some attention at this year’s music awards, with five nominations.

Toney’s mix of Celtic fiddling and old songs of the Mi’kmaq is the reason he calls his sound “Mi’kmaltic,” which he says is his way of honouring his language and heritage.

One of Toney’s nominations is for Music Video of the Year for his “Heal the Divide” video – a song he released earlier this year.

“We’ve been working very hard, the three of us, the Morgan Toney Trio,” Toney said.

The Morgan Toney trio includes Morgan Toney, Ryan Roberts and Keith Mullens.

The “Heal the Divide” album has also been shortlisted for a Grammy nomination.

“I’m so excited,” Toney said. “To even have our name in the pool of other amazing artists, other Canadian artists, is just amazing for us.”

Toney said the Morgan Toney Trio is excited for NSMW.

“Just to spend time with some old friends, make new friends and hopefully start conversations of collaborating,” he said.

NSMW runs all weekend with winners announced at the award ceremony on Sunday.