Reggae musician Jah'Mila delivered a powerful speech on the East Coast Music Awards stage in St. John's on May 8, offering a hopeful appeal for collaboration and change from an association that has faced turmoil for months.

The Halifax-based Jamaican Canadian singer's reggae song Never Fail won in the R&B/soul category, which she said is an indication of what needs to change at the East Coast Music Association.

"This category, having been won by a reggae song, is a very clear example of the kind …