Grammys 2023: Singer brings homeland pride to awards

A Manitoba singer brought a symphony of hometown pride to music’s biggest night, representing her Indigenous roots and love for the Winnipeg Jets.

Rhonda Head is a classical singer from Opaskwayak Cree Nation but found herself in Hollywood over the weekend for the 2023 Grammy Awards.

“The (Sunday) night show was the best I’ve ever seen. There were so many great acts and musicians,” Head told CTV News Winnipeg over the phone from Los Angeles, California.

It was Head’s third appearance at the Grammys. She first attended the star-studded ceremony several years ago after becoming a member of the Recording Academy – the body of music professionals that presents the awards.

Rhonda Head poses on the red carpet at the 2023 Grammy Awards. (Credit: Rhonda Head/Instagram)

The mezzo-soprano has had an illustrious career as a classical and jazz singer, performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, releasing albums of standard opera and Cree anthems, and winning a host of awards and accolades.

Head said the Grammys are a great opportunity to network in the always-competitive music industry and showcase yourself on a global stage.

“Not just for my own province, but as an indigenous person. It’s very important for me to be represented at such a high-profile event,” she said.

She brought that representation to the 2022 Grammy red carpet when she posed for photos with an Every Child Matters flag, a phrase that pays homage to the Indigenous children who were taken from their homes to attend boarding schools.

Rhonda Head poses with an Every Child Matters flag on the red carpet at the 2022 Grammys. Born in the Opaskwayak Cree Nation, the singer is passionate about bringing Indigenous representation to the global stage. (Credit: Rhonda Head/Instagram)

This year she wanted to “do something fun.” After spotting a Jets flag while shopping a few days before leaving for Los Angeles, she knew it would be the perfect accessory for her floor-length black dress, bright Indigenous Canadian design earrings and red pumps.

“I’m a big Jets fan. I try to make a game every time I come to town,” she said.

“Everyone at the Grammys was like, ‘Hey, is that Winnipeg?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, the Winnipeg Jets.’”

Head said the ceremony was filled with incredible moments but points to performances by Sam Smith and Kim Petras and winning the Grammy as the highlight.

At the after party, she also ran into rock stars.

“I had a photo op with Robert Trujillo, Metallica’s bassist,” she recalled.

“Flo Rida was there too. He and his band were the entertainment at the after party. It was so much fun and the energy there was great. As an artist, musician – it’s so great to be in a room with other artists. You just feel this amazing energy. It’s really inspiring.”

Rhonda Head smiles for a photo with Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo. (Credit: Rhonda Head/Instagram)

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