ZALE and Marie Céleste Win 2026’s Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Breakthrough Songwriter Award

The two winners for the 2026 Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Breakthrough Songwriter Award have been revealed. Toronto producer ZALE and Montreal indie-pop band Marie Céleste will receive the non-French-language and French-language award, respectively, for their songwriting abilities. Since 2017, the award has become an annual opportunity for the music organization to spotlight emerging Canadian singers from across the country — five finalists in the non-French-language and five in the French-language categories. This year’s winners will receive a $7,500 cash prize and a customized career development plan, supported by the platform. The 2026 Breakthrough Songwriter Award is presented in partnership with TikTok Canada, marking one of the company’s first sponsorships after news broke earlier this year that the company would continue operating in the country . Based in Toronto, ZALE is this year’s non-French-language winner. From pop to hip-hop to R&B, his work spans multiple genres. Mentored by all-star producers Boi-1da and Stephen Kozmeniuk, ZALE has helped write hit songs for the likes of Kendrick Lamar, PARTYNEXTDOOR and Childish Gambino, among others. His work has generated millions of global streams, with his recent portfolio touting some of today’s biggest Canadian acts, including Nelly Furtado, The Beaches, Jessie Reyez, Jonny Orlando and Goldie Boutilier. "Music found me early, and songwriting has been the one constant through every chapter of my life,” ZALE says. “No matter how much the world or the industry changes, it's still the place that makes the most sense to me. I'm grateful to every artist, writer, and collaborator who's trusted me enough to walk into a room and make something from nothing together." Only four months after the release of their sophomore album, Tout ce qui brille , Montreal-based group Marie Céleste has scored one of their first awards as this year's French-language winner. Blending folk, indie-pop, rock, electronic and world music influences, the five-piece band has crafted a unique soundscape that feels both contemporary and timeless. Since its release, Tout ce qui brille has amassed one million Spotify streams. Their success has translated into their gigs, as the group has scored multiple sold-out shows across Quebec. The band members fondly reflect on their home province when speaking about their win. “Being recognized on a national scale with songs in French fills us with immense pride. We are committed to promoting Québec culture across Canada, and this award is a huge pat on the back from the entire industry,” they share. “We are infinitely grateful to the selection jury and the public for your support and your love." This year’s winners join a stacked roster of past winners like Jessie Reyez, Lowell, Charlotte Cardin, Mustafa, Ariane Roy, Fredz, Lou Adriane Cassidy and last year’s recipients Nemahsis and Rau_Ze. “ZALE and Marie Céleste represent two remarkable voices, and we are proud to recognize their achievements as they join a growing community of songwriters helping shape the future of Canadian music,” says Nick Fedor, executive director of the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. The two award recipients will be honoured at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sept. 26 at Toronto’s Massey Hall. They’ll be celebrated alongside this year’s Hall of Fame inductees , including Feist, The Tragically Hip, Loverboy and more.