Kitchener rapper picks up first-ever Juno nomination
CTV
From Kitchener to cross-country recognition, a rapper from the city is nominated for the Juno Awards’ rap single of the year.
From Kitchener to cross-country recognition, a rapper from the city is nominated for the Juno Awards’ rap single of the year.
The nomination marks a milestone for Dom Vallie, who is re-visiting his roots for “BEEN HIMMA,” the single that earned the rapper his first major recognition in music. Although he was born in Scarborough, he moved to Kitchener when he was six years old, which is where he spent much of his time growing up.
Vallie said the song was originally made as a joke of sorts, but it quickly gained popularity, climbing to over 5 million streams on Spotify.
“I did not think that would be the song to get me the Juno nom,” he said.
As for the award ceremony, Himma said he’s looking forward to being surrounded by other top Canadian talent.
“Avril Lavigne might be there. I might be a little star-struck by her. Nickelback is going be there, that’s pretty hard,” Vallie said.
The official music video for “BEEN HIMMA” posted to Vallie’s YouTube page on April 15, 2022 has over 210,000 views.