The OMAs (Oshawa Music Awards)

OMAs (Oshawa Music Awards) is an annual ticketed event, recognizing the influence and achievements of local music creators, businesses, and music supporters within the City of Oshawa and the Durham Region. OMA was established in 2018 by Durham College students from the Music Business Management (MBM) program as part of the annual Oshawa Music Week. Notable past nominees and winners include multi-platinum award-winning producer Jeff Dalziel, JUNO award- winning indie-pop group Dizzy, and former lead guitarist of The Guess Who, Dale Russell. In its fourth year, OMA is a growing cultural enterprise. The organization’s mission is “to celebrate the development of local music talent and culture within the Durham Region”. Oshawa Music Awards aims to acknowledge key contributors that aid in the growth of Durham Region’s music business economy; providing a platform that highlights and nurtures its progression. The Durham Region includes Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, the Township of Uxbridge, Township of Brock, Township of Scugog and the Municipality of Clarington. The Region's musical heritage is as deep as it is wide; Mars Bonfire of Steppenwolf, (he wrote 'Born to be Wild') was born in Oshawa, Robert J. Stone's label, Stone Records, released the Spencer Davis Group in 1967 and Star Records (store and label) was integral in the development of Canada's punk and alternative music scene. Behind the scene many of Canada's music executives, managers, bookers, promoters, club owners and publicists have roots in the Durham Region.