Global superstar Drake and acclaimed screen composer Andrew Lockington dominated the 36th SOCAN Awards in Toronto on October 26, 2026. Both artists led the ceremony by winning five awards each, marking a significant night for Canadian songwriting and composition excellence.

Who were the top winners?

More than 600 industry leaders gathered at Rebel to honor the creators behind the year's most successful music. Drake achieved a notable milestone by earning his sixth SOCAN Songwriter of the Year – Performer award, alongside four additional honors in the Rap and R&B categories.

Read also Drake and Lockington top major Canadian music honors in Toronto

Andrew Lockington matched this success, taking home five awards including:

  • Screen Composer of the Year
  • Most Streamed Film Music Award for Atlas
  • Individual honors for his work on Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, and Special Ops: Lioness

Why does this matter for creators?

Beyond individual trophies, the ceremony addressed the evolving landscape of the music industry. SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown used her remarks to emphasize the importance of human creativity in an era increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. She noted that while technology can manufacture content, music remains valuable because it is an "expression of a lived experience."

Special honors were also given to recognize cultural milestones and rising talent. Jessie Reyez received the International Achievement Award, while the influential track "Let Your Backbone Slide" was honored with the SOCAN Cultural Impact Award. Other notable recipients included Jenna Andrews, Jade LeMac, Nathan Micay, and Peter Peter.

What is next for the industry?

As the industry navigates the rise of generative AI, the focus for organizations like SOCAN is shifting toward protecting rights and ensuring fair compensation. The tension between automated content and human authorship remains a central challenge for songwriters and publishers across North America. Watch for upcoming discussions regarding how AI-generated music will fit into existing copyright and royalty frameworks.