Toronto, September 24, 2024 – The 34th annual SOCAN Awards lit up HISTORY in Toronto as the biggest names in Canadian music came together to celebrate the country’s most exceptional songwriters, composers, and music publishers. Hosted by CBC’s Amanda Parris and TV personality Tyrone Edwards, the event brought unforgettable performances, well-deserved awards, and heartwarming moments that spotlighted the immense talent within Canada’s music industry.
Drake Dominates Again
It was another massive night for Drake, who once again proved his unstoppable dominance in the industry. The Toronto-born megastar took home Songwriter of the Year – Performer, along with four SOCAN Rap Music Awards for hits “Jimmy Cooks,” “Rich Flex,” “Spin Bout U” with 21 Savage, and “Wait For U” with Future and Tems. His achievements further cement his influence not just in Canada, but globally.
K’naan’s Cultural Impact
One of the most emotional highlights of the night was the presentation of the Cultural Impact Award to poet and activist K’naan, for his anthemic hit “Wavin’ Flag”. The evening came to a touching close when the audience joined in to sing along during a soulful performance of the song by AHI, accompanied by Strings From Paris. The performance was a fitting tribute to the power of music to unite and inspire.
Arkells and Tobias Jesso Jr. Shine
Indie-rock sensations Arkells were honored with the National Achievement Award, acknowledging their lasting impact on the Canadian music landscape. Meanwhile, songwriter Tobias Jesso Jr. took home the International Achievement Award, as well as SOCAN Dance Music and R&B Awards for his tracks “Houdini” and “Always.”
Performances That Wowed the Crowd
The night wasn’t just about awards—it was also packed with show-stopping performances. Rising star LU KALA electrified the audience with a medley featuring her hit “Pretty Girl Era.” Other standout performances included Jade Eagleson & Noeline Hofmann’s country smash hits and emerging rapper Skip Waiters delivering a captivating rendition of “Last Words.”
Celebrating Canadian Creativity Across Genres
The SOCAN Awards honor achievements in various music genres and fields, including screen composing. This year, Keith Power took home his sixth Screen Composer of the Year Award, while the Breakout Composer Award went to brothers Brian and Caleb Chan. Lauren Spencer Smith earned the Breakout Songwriter Award, as well as the Viral Song Award for her hit “Fingers Crossed.”
The SOCAN Awards are more than just trophies—they celebrate the storytelling and creativity of Canada’s music creators, inspiring the next generation of musicians and composers. Congratulations to all the winners for their contributions to Canadian and global music!
For the complete list of winners, visit SOCAN Awards 2024.
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