REGINA — Sandy Pandya came to Regina as an immigrant, unaware of the role she would play in the Canadian music industry.
Born in Africa, Pandya and her family fled the country during a “tumultuous time.”
“I remember leaving Africa in the middle of the night. I think we didn't even know until a couple of hours before we were leaving.”
Pandya arrived in Saskatoon, staying in the city briefly before moving to Edmonton. Her family eventually moved to Regina after her dad opened a restaurant.
Her life had never revolved around music, but that changed after Pandya and her friends opened Café Go-Go (later known as Be Bop Café) to pay for their tuition at the University of Regina.
The café became a community hub, hosting poetry nights, live music and art.
Bands from across Saskatchewan and other provinces would drop by the café.
However, the turning point for Pandya’s career in the music industry came after American alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs performed at the café.
“A promoter in Winnipeg who had booked the band dropped the ball and ghosted them. So, their agent called me and asked if the café would be interested in hosting them.”
After their performance, the café began attracting larger artists. In the late 1980s, Pandya moved to Thunder Bay, Ont., to open a live music club.
She spent a year there before relocating to Toronto, where she took on a publicity role with a record company in an industry that had very few women at the time.
“I was really fortunate I had a boss who one day just said to me, ‘If I were you, I'd take half the money and go do a booking agent job because you probably won't rise in this company much beyond like a publicity kind of role.”
In her new role, Pandya helped set up events for the Cowboy Junkies, Grievous Angels and L'Étranger.
Eventually, Pandya moved into management, working with artists Serena Ryder, Tegan and Sara, and Jully Black before starting her own company, Pandyamonium Management Inc., in 1996.
Helping the next generation
Back in 2019, Pandya helped co-found Arthaus Music, a collaborative platform focused on artist development, community programming and creative space.
“It's all about elevating the next generation, giving them the frameworks and infrastructure, and helping to elevate those artists and entrepreneurs in the music industry,” said Pandya.
Arthaus Music offers mentorship and educational opportunities for both artists and industry professionals.
“It’s about ensuring artists can have a long career.”
Pandya’s long commitment to artists, advocacy and meaningful industry change led to her being named one of the recipients of the Walt Grealis Award at the 2026 Juno Awards.
“I was, I think in disbelief and flabbergasted by my initial response,” said Pandya when she found out the news in December.
Pandya admitted she questioned why more women had not received the award, noting women often navigate the industry carefully.
“We want to be taken seriously, I know it can sound crazy, but it’s the truth.”
Despite initial hesitation, Pandya decided to accept the award, saying it provides an opportunity to advocate for other women in the industry.
When she walks on stage to accept her award, Pandya said she will likely be fighting back tears.
“I've been so blessed to actually be working in an industry where I'm doing what I love to do and I get paid.”
The Juno Awards get underway March 29.
