Kat Harlton
Photos provided via PR team / SiriusXM
The SOCAN Foundation recently revealed the recipients of the 2025 SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards. which were created to recognize and celebrate the artistic merit demonstrated by Black Canadian music creators of any genre.
The Black Canadian Music Awards were established to recognize the creativity, talent, and contributions of Black music creators in Canada across all musical genres. Among this year’s five national recipients is Bukola, who will be granted $10,000 to help advance her career.
Bukola is a Nigerian-Canadian artist born in Vancouver and currently based in Coquitlam, who fuses R&B vocals, jazz guitar, and heartfelt storytelling into what she calls “handcrafted R&B for the antisocial butterfly.” Inspired by India Arie, Amy Winehouse, and Corinne Bailey Rae, she began learning guitar on YouTube at 12 and has since performed across Canada, including shows at Toronto’s El Mocambo and BC Place stadium. Her music has appeared in Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia and Disney+’s The Princess, and her latest EP, The Confessions of an Antisocial Butterfly, produced by Baca & Brandn, explores coming-of-age themes through a unique radio show concept.
I had the opportunity to chat with Bukola about being awarded a SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Award, career highlights and what’s next.
Kat: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your music journey so far?
Bukola: Yeah! So I’m a Nigerian-Canadian singer/songwriter/guitarist from Vancouver, BC who makes handcrafted R&B for the antisocial butterfly. I fell in love with words first and would spend hours writing on my parents’ computer. When I was nine, I saw Willow Smith’s music video for “Whip My Hair” and I was OBSESSED haha. I was so fascinated with her confidence, her creativity, and the fact that she, too, was a young Black girl. That music video changed my life! It was from that point on that I knew I wanted to be a singer. I bought myself a guitar from Toys R Us at 12 and started teaching myself using YouTube (I’m left-handed, so trying to learn how to play a right-handed guitar was a rollercoaster ride). I’ve come a long way since then, though, but I’m still the same girl at heart — someone who loves a challenge and will do her best to figure it out.
Kat: You were recently announced as an award recipient of the SOCAN Foundation’s SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards. Can you talk about the honour of receiving this recognition?
Bukola: It was such a huge honour! To be recognized by my community is something that I’ll always cherish. My EP, “The Confessions of an Antisocial Butterfly”, was created out of an era of uncertainty. I was doubting myself a lot because of so many things that were going on in my life. But releasing the project, seeing the reception, and being recognized by the likes of the SOCAN Foundation has definitely been the light at the end of the tunnel. I am so grateful to have been awarded among the other incredibly talented recipients.
Kat: What has been a career highlight so far?
Bukola: There are so many moments that I look back on with a smile! I think most recently, though, it would have to be singing the national anthem for the inaugural Northern Super League match at BC Place stadium. To be a tiny part of history is such a pinch-me moment! It was super cool getting to sing for so many people and to meet the legend, Christine Sinclair. My parents and sister came, which was super sweet, and the rest of my siblings got to watch me on TV at home. I’m super honoured that I got the opportunity and I’m so happy that even though I was terrified, I still pushed through.
Kat: What have you learned along the way that you would like to share with other aspiring artists and creators?
Bukola: Hmmm…I would say to find a mentor. I’m so blessed to have been connected with great people over the years who have helped me out so much. There’s so much to learn and so many rabbit holes to explore. Having a mentor is super helpful because they’re like lighthouses — a guiding light in a space that can sometimes feel a little dark.
Kat: What are you currently working on now, and what can fans expect next from you this year?
Bukola: I’m currently working on new music, and I can’t wait to share it with my audience once it’s ready! I’m so so so excited haha. I’ve got a few things up my sleeve for the rest of the year so….make sure to follow my socials, and subscribe to my mailing list to be the first to find out :)
Artist Links:
Facebook: /bukolamusic
Instagram: @bukolamusic
Website: https://www.bukolamusic.com/