Using music as a lens, Voices of Canada explores Canada’s rich cultural diversity, featuring stories and songs from Canadian Francophone artists.
Join us for a special edition of Voices of Canada in partnership with the Canadian Folk Music Awards highlighting the songs and stories of 2026 Francophone nominees.
Through live performances and a panel discussion guests will connect with the stories and songs of Canadian musicians from diverse backgrounds, gaining a deeper understanding of the nation’s cultural fabric. Using music as a lens, Voices of Canada explores Canada’s rich cultural diversity, featuring stories and songs from Canadian artists.
About the Artists
Moderator: Raphaël Freynet
Raphaël Freynet is the Executive Director of the Francophone Arts Association of Alberta (RAFA), which supports Francophone artists and organizations across the province. An award-winning artist, producer, and singer-songwriter, he has contributed to several recognized musical projects, including Cristian De La Luna, Hiver Nation, and his own album Le monde à voir. His career spans various fields, including music, theatre, visual arts, film, and television, as well as consulting in the arts and media. He holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business (York University), with a specialization in arts, media, and entertainment management.
Rayannah
Rayannah is a Franco-Manitoban artist, director, beatmaker, and artistic director known for her electro-acoustic production style, sound design, and multidisciplinary projects. On stage as in the studio, her electro-alternative universe blends experimentation and songwriting through sampling, looping, and both analog and digital creation. In 2026, Rayannah is preparing the release of TRAME, an electro-instrumental album that brings together her experimental works created over the past several years. Her debut album, Nos repaires, reveals a dreamlike and immersive world, both through its music and its multimedia visuals. In 2019, she was named “Francophone Artist of the Year” and “Producer of the Year” at the Western Canadian Music Awards. Rayannah is nominated for the 2026 Folk Award for Producer of the Year.
Rachel Therrien
Quebec-native Rachel Therrien is an award-winning trumpeter, composer, and bandleader celebrated for her bold sound and stylistic versatility. She leads and performs in acclaimed ensembles touring regularly across North America, Europe, and beyond form her base in Brooklyn. She has earned a GRAMMY nomination for her work with the Arturo O’Farrill Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, plus JUNO and Felix Award nominations for her own projects. Her music, recognized by DownBeat and NPR, bridges jazz tradition and global influences with fearless creativity. Rachel Therrien is nominated for the 2026 Folk Award for Instrumental Solo Artist of the Year.
Fred Dionne
Quebec singer-songwriter Fred Dionne stands out with a unique project featuring a French-language country–folk–bohemian sound. He released his debut album Highways in 2022, followed by his second album, Eldorado, in January 2025. In addition to a nomination at the CCMAs in the Francophone Artist of the Year category, he stands out with three ADISQ nominations, including Album of the Year. Fred Dionne is nominated for the 2026 Folk Award for French Songwriter of the Year.