Nova Scotia native Baby Nova, who last attended the Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal as a spectator a decade ago, is set to make a return to the event on Saturday as a featured performer on the main stage. Baby Nova expressed her excitement and nervousness about the upcoming performance, emphasizing her desire to deliver a stellar show.
The indie-pop musician, originally from Halifax and now based in Los Angeles, launched her debut album “Shhugar” this year, garnering significant praise and earning a spot on the longlist for Canada’s prestigious Polaris Music Prize. Her talent was also recognized when she was included in Spotify’s Artists to Watch lineup for 2026 and showcased at Rolling Stone Canada’s Future of Music event.
Baby Nova is scheduled to perform at other notable music festivals, including the Fono Festival in Quebec City and the Sommo Festival in P.E.I. Despite her seemingly rapid rise in the music industry, she has been honing her skills for almost two decades, tracing back her decision to pursue music to a formative experience during her childhood.
As a child, Baby Nova was inspired by the TV show “Hannah Montana,” which led her to attend a summer camp organized by supposed talent scouts seeking the next teen sensation. Although the experience was later revealed to be a money-making scheme, it planted the seed of ambition in Baby Nova, prompting her to start writing songs at a young age.
Reflecting on her journey, Baby Nova acknowledged the early songs she penned were subpar but highlighted her unwavering passion for music. At 17, she secured a publishing deal to write songs for other artists, which further refined her songwriting abilities. Subsequently, she embarked on a journey across various cities, including Montreal, Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles, in pursuit of her musical aspirations.
Despite facing financial and emotional challenges along the way, Baby Nova persevered, with a pivotal moment occurring during a meeting with an artist and repertoire representative in Los Angeles. Impressed by her music, the representative extended an offer, which Baby Nova accepted after a memorable trek on foot to Beverly Hills. This experience serves as a reminder for her to push past obstacles and maintain her determination in the face of adversity.