Drake Makes History at the 2025 SOCAN Awards, Becoming the Most-Awarded Songwriter in Canadian History

Boi-1da honoured with Global Impact Award; Joni Mitchell celebrated for “Both Sides, Now” with moving tribute by Allison Russell

TORONTO — It was a historic night for Canadian music as Drake achieved an unprecedented milestone at the 2025 SOCAN Awards, becoming the most-awarded songwriter in SOCAN’s century-long history — and the most-decorated artist in a single evening.

Held in Toronto, the annual celebration recognized the nation’s top songwriters, composers, and music publishers, marking 100 years of SOCAN’s legacy in supporting Canadian music creators.

Drake earned six SOCAN Awards in total, including Songwriter of the Year – Performer, three Rap Music Awards, one R&B Music Award, and one Dance Music Award. The record-breaking sweep cements his place among Canada’s most influential music creators, reflecting his continued dominance both nationally and globally.

Trailblazers Celebrated for Global Impact

Fellow international powerhouse Boi-1da received the Global Impact Award, honouring his influence as a songwriter and producer who has helped shape the sound of a generation. Known for his collaborations with Drake, Rihanna, and Eminem, Boi-1da continues to redefine global hip-hop production from his Canadian roots.

The SOCAN International Achievement Award went to Lowell, bülow, and Nathan Ferraro for their work on Beyoncé’s chart-topping hit “TEXAS HOLD ’EM.”

Producer OZ was named Producer of the Year for his prolific work with Drake, J. Cole, Travis Scott, and Jack Harlow, while Evan Blair earned Songwriter of the Year – Non-Performer and International Song Award for “Beautiful Things.”

Joni Mitchell Receives Cultural Impact Award

The evening’s emotional highlight was a tribute to Joni Mitchell, who received the SOCAN Cultural Impact Award for her timeless classic “Both Sides, Now.”
Award-winning artist Allison Russell delivered a breathtaking performance of the song, capturing the spirit of Mitchell’s enduring influence on Canadian and global music.

A Night of Musical Excellence

Hosted by Andrew Phung and Arisa Cox, the awards also featured live performances by Alexander Stewart, Baby Nova, Frank Walker, Kalisway, Tia Wood, and Wild Rivers.
A special orchestral medley opened the show, celebrating SOCAN’s screen composers with music from Heartland, Paw Patrol, Murdoch Mysteries, and Palm Royale.

SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown reflected on the milestone year:

“As we mark 100 years, we celebrate the community of songwriters, composers, and music publishers who remind us why music matters. From every stage, studio, and screen, Canadian music creators carry our stories across Canada and around the world.”

Additional Honours

• Vince Fontaine Indigenous Song Award: Wyatt C. Louis (“In Emerald”)

• Folk/Roots Music Award: Wild Rivers

• Hagood Hardy Award: Stephan Moccio

• Jan V. Matejcek New Classical Music Award: Dinuk Wijeratne

• Global Music Award: Ikky

• Licensed to Play Award: Peterborough Musicfest Inc.

• Herbert Ruff Audiovisual Post-Synchronization Award: Red Brick Songs Inc.

For a full list of 2025 SOCAN Award winners, visit www.socanawards.com.

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