SOCAN Awards 2026: Jessie Reyez and Drake Honoured

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Toronto singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez and superstar Drake lead the list of honourees at the 2026 SOCAN Awards. The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada has named Reyez as its International Achievement Award winner, while Drake will collect his fifth consecutive Songwriter of the Year (Performer) award. The ceremony takes place on October 26 at Rebel in Toronto. SOCAN announced its 2026 Special Achievement Award recipients in early October, recognising songwriters, composers and publishers across pop, hip-hop, film and television. Jessie Reyez goes global Reyez is being honoured for "representing Canada on the global stage" and "influencing music and culture with her talent", according to Billboard Canada. The Grammy-nominated, Juno-winning artist has worked with some of the world's biggest acts, including Dua Lipa and Beyoncé . Her recent run has been especially strong. She teamed up with Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna for a World Cup project, and she earned her first-ever No. 1 on US airplay with Calvin Harris on "Ocean". From Toronto to the world Born in Toronto to Colombian parents, Reyez broke through in 2017 with "Figures", a raw, heartbroken ballad that showcased her raspy voice and unfiltered songwriting. She won the Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2018 and has since built a reputation as one of Canada's most distinctive writers, both for her own records and for other artists. Five in a row for Drake Drake's award recognises "his unmatched influence on music worldwide". Billboard Canada notes that in May the Toronto star released three albums, Iceman, Maid of Honour and Habibti, breaking several records at home, and that "Janice STFU" became his longest-running No. 1 of the 2020s. He won the same award last year but was not present to accept it. His chart run continues this week, with "Solar Eclipse" featuring Don Toliver debuting at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 as his record 91st top 10. Entzopedia covered the Habibti reissue in our deluxe album report . The full list of honourees Peter Peter, the main songwriter and composer for the hit series Heated Rivalry, receives the Global Impact Award. He won best original music, drama, and best original song at this year's Canadian Screen Awards, and the show's soundtrack reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200, the first TV soundtrack to do so this decade. Vancouver pop singer Jade LeMac, who opened for Hilary Duff this summer, receives the Breakout Songwriter Award. Earlier this year she earned her first Billboard Canadian Hot 100 entry with "Running Home". Maestro Fresh Wes and producers Anthony Davis and Peter Davis will receive the Cultural Impact Award for their 1989 hit "Let Your Backbone Slide", the first Canadian hip-hop single to go gold. This year's award statues, which double as musical instruments with five bronze crotales, will be tuned to notes from the song. Last year's were tuned to Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now". Also honoured are Andrew Lockington (Screen Composer of the Year), Jenna Andrews (Songwriter of the Year, Non-Performer) and Nathan Micay (Breakout Composer Award). What SOCAN says "Every year, the SOCAN Awards shine a light on the songwriters, composers and music publishers who define and elevate Canadian music," said SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown. "The 2026 honourees show the extraordinary range of talent shaping our culture, from global hitmakers to groundbreaking composers and exciting new voices." Last year's winners included Joni Mitchell, producer Boi-1da, Punjabi artist Shubh and songwriters Lowell, bülow and Nathan Ferraro. Why SOCAN matters SOCAN collects and distributes performance royalties for songwriters, composers and publishers, so its awards are focused on the people who write the music rather than just the performers. What's next The winners will be celebrated at Rebel in Toronto on October 26. Fans will be watching to see whether Drake attends this year after missing last year's event, and whether Reyez marks her win with a performance. Toronto is also preparing to host Africa's biggest music awards, the Headies, in April 2027, underlining the city's growing role as a global music hub. Sources: Billboard Canada | SOCAN | CBC Music