From chart-topping songwriters to the acclaimed screen composers behind Lioness: Special Ops, Landman and Heated Rivalry, this year's achievement winners exemplify the impact of Canadian music.

TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2026 /CNW/ -- SOCAN today revealed the exceptional songwriters, composers and music publishers who will be celebrated with Special Achievement Awards at the 2026 SOCAN Awards, taking place October 26, 2026, at Toronto's REBEL nightclub. The annual event, hosted by Arisa Cox and Andrew Phung, will honour over 100 music creators and publishers shaping Canadian music at home and around the world.

The 2026 honourees reflect the diversity and global reach of Canadian musical creativity and will be celebrated with an evening of standout performances and special guests including Shawn Desman, Jamie Fine, Hailey Benedict and the 2025 Breakout Composers the Chan brothers. Also awarded will be 2025 Songwriter of the Year, Evan Blair, Lowell and the composer team behind Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood and PAW Patrol.

2026 SOCAN Special Achievement Award Winners

• International Achievement Award – Jessie Reyez
  With over 4 billion streams globally, the GRAMMY nominated, and multiple JUNO winner, Jessie Reyez is representing Canada on the global stage, influencing music and culture with her talent, and collaborations with artists like Dua Lipa, Beyoncé and Eminem.
• Cultural Impact Award – "Let Your Backbone Slide" by Maestro Fresh Wes, Anthony Davis, Peter Davis; published by BMG Rights Management Canada o/b/o BMG Rights Management (US), Warner Chappell Music Canada Ltd.
  A global success story, this is one of the most groundbreaking and culturally significant recordings in hip hop and Canadian music history.
• Global Impact Award – Peter Peter 
  Celebrated for elevating Canadian talent on the world stage through his work on the international hit series "Heated Rivalry."
• Screen Composer of the Year – Andrew Lockington
  A standout year that includes multiple major wins across film and serialized drama for "Atlas," "Landman," "Mayor of Kingstown" and "Special Ops: Lioness".
• Songwriter of the Year – Non‑Performer – Jenna Andrews
  Recognized for an exceptional year, including "Free" and "What It Sounds Like" from the global hit soundtrack KPop Demon Hunters, Andrews is one of Canada's most sought-after songwriters.
• Songwriter of the Year – Performer – Drake
  Honoured once again for his unmatched influence on music worldwide.
• Breakout Songwriter Award – Jade LeMac
  With a fresh, authentic perspective and growing fanbase, Jade is one of the most exciting new voices in Canadian music.
• Breakout Composer Award – Nathan Micay
  The electronic music producer made waves with his foray into screen composing on the hit HBO series "Industry."

"Every year, the SOCAN Awards shine a light on the songwriters, composers and music publishers who define and elevate Canadian music," said Jennifer Brown, SOCAN CEO.  "The 2026 honourees show the extraordinary range of talent shaping our culture, from global hitmakers to groundbreaking composers and exciting new voices. We can't wait to celebrate them on October 26."

SOCAN Achievement Award winners receive "The SOCAN" – the world's first and only music industry trophy that is also a musical instrument, incorporating five custom bronze crotales, tuned this year with notes from "Let Your Backbone Slide" by Maestro Fresh Wes. 

The full list of this year's SOCAN Award winners will be released on the evening of October 26. 

SOCAN proudly acknowledges its legal counsel of 75+ years, Gowling WLG as the official sponsor of the 2026 SOCAN Awards, with the SOCAN Foundation and the Unison Benevolent Fund serving as official charity partners.

About SOCAN   

SOCAN is Canada's largest member-owned music rights organization, championing the fundamental value of music and the people who create it. SOCAN collects license fees for the public performance and reproduction of music, matches them to rights holders, and distributes them as royalties to songwriters, composers and music creators and publishers in Canada and around the world. With more than a century of expertise and innovation, SOCAN stands for respect and fair compensation for creative work – protecting, recognizing, and celebrating its over 200,000 songwriter, composer, and music publisher members. For more information: www.socan.com.

SOURCE SOCAN