Rhonda Head, an Indigenous Mezzo-Soprano singer and songwriter from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba, Canada has been nominated for a 2025 Grammy® Award for her contribution to Antonio Vergara’s acclaimed contemporary blues album, The Fury. This recognition marks a monumental moment in Rhonda’s illustrious 48-time award-winning career, celebrating her unwavering dedication to her craft and the powerful Indigenous voice and passion she brought to the album.
Featured on the track The Muse of Midnight, Rhonda’s voice adds a brilliant layer to the album’s distinctive sound. The Fury has been nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album, and the Grammy® ceremony on February 2, 2025, will mark her first in-person meeting with Vergara, a remarkable story of remote collaboration leading to this major recognition.
A Historic Performance at Carnegie Hall
Before heading to Los Angeles for the Grammys, Rhonda will fulfill a lifelong dream by bringing Indigenous youth to perform at Carnegie Hall for the first time on December 1, 2024. Invited by Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), Rhonda will sing Handel’s Messiah for the second time at this prestigious venue, but this time, she will be joined by the Arts for Manitoba Indigenous Youth Choir. Their performance at Carnegie Hall will be a historic moment for the choir, offering these young voices the opportunity of a lifetime. To assist with covering the costs of flights, accommodation, meals, transportation and educational opportunities for the youth performers in New York City, a GoFundMe has been established.
As part of her commitment to fostering the next generation of artists, Rhonda has mentored more than 35 emerging artists in Manitoba, including Indigenous youth, providing guidance and creating pathways for their success in the arts.
“This Grammy® nomination is an honour for me, but it’s also for the communities I represent. Collaborating with Antonio Vergara and being part of The Fury has been such a beautiful experience. Music has the power to bring people together, and I am grateful for the chance to share my voice on this global stage. I’m especially excited to bring the Arts for Manitoba Indigenous Youth Choir to Carnegie Hall, where these youth will live out a dream and share their own incredible voices with the world,” shared Rhonda Head.
The 2025 Grammy® nominations also include some of the biggest names in the music industry, with Beyoncé leading with 11 nominations, marking a career total of 99, and Chappell Roan skyrocketing as an emerging artist to watch. Antonio and Rhonda's nomination alongside these influential artists is a testament to the power of collaboration and the ongoing evolution of contemporary music.
In addition to her remarkable musical achievements, Rhonda’s journey is one of resilience and inspiration. As a survivor of two acoustic neuroma brain tumors, she has turned her personal challenges into a powerful platform for advocacy. Through mentorship and creating opportunities for Indigenous youth, Rhonda uplifts the next generation of artists, embodying the strength and determination she brings to every endeavor. Follow her inspiring journey on Instagram @rhondavhead to stay connected with her music, advocacy, and ongoing impact.