Toronto R&B singer Melanie Fiona has won this year’s Allan Slaight Award, presented to a young Canadian who is making a positive impact in the performing arts.

Melanie Fiona, seen at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans in July 8, says she holds Canada on her sleeve and in her heart when she travels. (Cheryl Gerber/Invision/Associated Press)

Fiona will be presented with the $10,000 prize during the Canada’s Walk of Fame Awards ceremony in Toronto on Sept. 22.

The award, named for Canadian radio pioneer Allan Slaight, was created three years ago to recognize Canadian talent in the fields of music, film, literature, visual or performing arts, sports, innovation or philanthropy. The past winners are rapper Drake and singer Nikki Yanofsky.

“Everywhere I travel I hold Canada on my sleeve and in my heart. I am grateful to be acknowledged in my country," Fiona said in a statement released Tuesday by the Slaight Family Foundation.

In February, Fiona was a surprise winner of two Grammys Awards for Fool for You, her collaboration with singer, songwriter and producer Cee Lo Green. She also was a Juno winner this year, winning the best R&B recording trophy for Gone and Never Coming Back.

The Toronto-born singer broke out as a rising R&B artist with her debut album The Bridge in 2009. She earned her first Grammy nomination a year later, in the category of best R&B vocal performance. She continued to build her success with 2012’s The MF Life.