Drake Wins Fifth Straight SOCAN Songwriter Award & Jessie Reyez Earns International Honor
Originally published by AllHipHop Read the original
Drake will receive his fifth straight SOCAN Songwriter of the Year honor in the performer category, with Jessie Reyez and Maestro Fresh Wes also set for major awards.
The Canadian music-rights group announced the winners and that its gala will take place on October 26 at REBEL in Toronto, with actor Andrew Phung and TV host Arisa Cox sharing hosting duties.
The Canadian Press reports that Drake’s latest award extends a five-year streak.
The honor recognizes his work as a songwriter and performer. Jenna Andrews will receive the separate non-performer award.
Drake released Iceman, Maid of Honour and Habibti in May. Billboard Canada links his latest run to multiple Canadian chart records and “Janice STFU,” his longest-running No. 1 single of the 2020s.
He won the SOCAN performer award last year but didn’t attend the ceremony.
Reyez will receive the International Achievement Award. SOCAN cited the Toronto-born singer’s reach beyond Canada and collaborations with artists including Beyoncé and Eminem. The group puts her worldwide stream count above four billion.
Reyez is a multiple Juno winner. Her work reached a U.S. radio peak through “Ocean” with Calvin Harris. Her publisher, BMG, identifies it as her first Billboard No. 1, on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart in November 2025.
Maestro Fresh Wes shares the Cultural Impact Award with producers Anthony Davis and Peter Davis for “Let Your Backbone Slide.” Released in 1989, the song became the first Canadian Hip-Hop single to earn gold status.
The award will bring that record into the room literally. This year’s trophies feature five bronze crotales tuned to notes from “Let Your Backbone Slide.” The small percussion instruments make the trophy playable. Last year’s version used Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”
In SOCAN’s announcement, CEO Jennifer Brown said, “Every year, the SOCAN Awards shine a light on the songwriters, composers and music publishers who define and elevate Canadian music.”
The gala will honor more than 100 creators and publishers. Performers and guests announced for the night include Shawn Desman, Jamie Fine and Hailey Benedict.
SOCAN collects music-license fees and pays royalties to writers, composers and publishers. Its membership includes more than 200,000 music creators and publishers.
SOCAN will release the full list of award winners on the evening of October 26.
