Scam Inspired Pop Star's Two-Decade Journey

Nova Scotia native Baby Nova is preparing for a pivotal moment at the Osheaga Music Festival, returning to the event where she was once a spectator approximately ten years prior, this time as a main stage performer. This performance follows the release of her debut album, 'Shhugar,' which received widespread critical acclaim and was longlisted for Canada's Polaris Music Prize. She was also recognized on Spotify's Artists to Watch list for 2026 and performed at Rolling Stone Canada's Future of Music showcase.

Despite her current success, Baby Nova's path to music stardom involved nearly two decades of dedication, with a surprising origin rooted in a childhood scam. At age 11, auditions for a "next Hannah Montana" led her to a summer camp that, despite its dubious intentions, instilled the confidence to begin writing songs. This early passion, documented in hundreds of songs written before age 16, fueled her pursuit of a music career.

Leaving Halifax for Montreal after high school, Nova spent years chasing her dream, residing in various cities like Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles. Facing significant financial and mental strain a couple of years ago, she nearly abandoned her aspirations. A pivotal meeting with an A&R representative, after which she walked for two hours to Beverly Hills due to lack of funds, ultimately led to an informal deal, reaffirming her belief in pushing through difficult times.