Colombian immigrant Lido Pimienta has won the 2017 Polaris Music Prize for her album La Papessa.
Colombian immigrant Lido Pimienta has won the 2017 Polaris Music Prize for her album La Papessa.
The Spanish-language independent release — which translates to "high priestess" — was selected by an 11-member jury based on its artistic merit.
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Pimienta, who takes home a $50,000 award, was considered an underdog contender for the Polaris award, but was praised by critics for releasing her album independently on her own label.
Many of the songs touch on politically-charged songs about the global water crisis and patriarchy.
"Perhaps the only thing I can say is I hope that the Aryan specimen who told me to go back to my own country two weeks after I arrived in London, Ontario, Canada is watching this," she said.
"This album honours my brother who passed away in 2013," she added.
"This album is about getting back on your feet in the big city with you son and some drawings under your arm."
The Polaris prize is considered one of the country's most prestigious music awards. Former winners include Arcade Fire, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Kaytranada.