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NASHUA, NH – Ruby Shabazz of Nashua recently won in the Soul/R&B category at the 2024 New England Music Awards.
This is her first nomination and her first win at the New England Music Awards.
The awards ceremony was held Nov. 10 at Six String Grille and Stage in Foxborough, MA.
Shabazz’s unique and soulful sound has been described by Wave Radio Boston’s host Joe Beauregard as “an updated version of neo-soul mixed with the throwback sounds of Lauryn Hill.” She has also been named New Hampshire’s Queen of R&B and Hip Hop by NH Magazine.
“It was such a fantastic night with so much talent of all different styles gathered in one room,” said Shabazz. “I appreciate being included and it feels great to be recognized for all the hard work.”
The New England Music Awards are presented every year to musicians who call New England their home and whose dedication, spirit and achievements over the last year have, without a doubt, established them as a contributing force to the most robust and diverse music scene in the country.
Every year, the NEMA nominates more than 100 artists and/or bands spanning a number of categories and genres of popular music in New England. The NEMA nomination committee then selects a winner in each of the award categories.
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 New England Music Awards!
| Categories 2024 Awards | Winners |
| Act of the Year | 12 O/C |
| Album of the Year | Jennifer Tefft and the Strange- “Strange Beginnings” |
| Song of the Year | Frank Viele – “The Trouble with Desire” |
| Producer of the Year | Sean McLaughlin 37′ Productions |
| Songwriter of the Year | Kai Wilson |
| Performer of the Year | Anna Daley Young |
| Performer of the Year | Sarah Blacker |
| New Act of the Year | The Far Out |
| Live Act of the Year | Kooked Out |
| Blues Act of the Year | GA-20 |
| Rock Act of the Year | Total Strangers |
| Punk Act of the Year | JVK |
| Americana Act of the Year | Kier Byrnes and The Kettle Burners |
| Country Act of the Year | Houston Bernard |
| Pop Act of the Year | Lainey Dionne |
| Hard Rock/Metal Act of the Year | Dead by Wednesday |
| Roots Act of the Year | The Elovators |
| Hip Hop Act of the Year | Chase Stebbins & The Only Known |
| Jazz Act of the Year | Ben Cosgrove |
| Soul/R&B Act of the Year | Ruby Shabazz |
| Rising Star: Connecticut | One Time Weekend |
| Rising Star: Massachusetts | Burp. |
| Rising Star: Rhode Island | Jesse Humphrey |
| Rising Star: New Hampshire | Rumboat Chili |
| Rising Star: Vermont | Ida Mae Specker |
| Rising Star: Maine | Midnight Breakfast |
| Video of the Year | Dead by Wednesday- “Wasteland” |
| World Act of the Year | Alisa Amador |
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