Begonia

Alexa Dirks, known by her stage name Begonia, is a Canadian pop singer and songwriter from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Before going solo as Begonia, she spent years in the Winnipeg music scene, perhaps most notably as a member of the prog-folk unit Chic Gamine. She launched her solo career in 2017 with the EP "Lady in Mind," featuring the #1 CBC Radio single "Juniper." The stage name "Begonia" comes from the rex begonia houseplant, which shared Dirks's childhood nickname Rex. Among her accolades, she has two JUNO nominations (2021, 2024, Adult Alternative Album of the Year), two Polaris Prize nominations, multiple #1 songs on CBC Radio, and was named one of NPR's Artists You Need to Know. She is most noted for her 2019 album "Fear," which was longlisted for the 2020 Polaris Music Prize and shortlisted for the JUNO Award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year at the JUNO Awards of 2021. Her sophomore album "Powder Blue" garnered Begonia a place on the shortlist for the 2023 Polaris Music Prize and a nomination for the 2024 JUNO Award for Adult Alternative Album of the Year. Her albums include "Fear" (2019), "Powder Blue" (2023), and the EP "Open Swim" released in July 2024. Begonia's music combines powerful vocals with introspective lyrics, blending pop, soul, and indie rock influences to create anthemic songs about self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. She continues to be a vital voice in Canadian music, performing extensively across the country.

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