Montreal's TOHU was abuzz with excitement on May 4, 2025, as the SOCAN 2025 Gala celebrated not only the organization’s 100th anniversary but also the remarkable achievements of artists in the music industry. This year’s event, hosted by Rebecca Makonnen, showcased over 100 trophies awarded across 25 categories, honoring the creativity and excellence of songwriters, screen composers, and music publishers from Quebec and French-speaking Canada.
Among the standout winners were Charlotte Cardin and Roxane Bruneau, who each took home three SOCAN awards. Cardin was recognized as the Songwriter of the Year, in addition to her wins for the popular songs "Feel Good" and "Confetti" in the francophone and anglophone categories, respectively. Meanwhile, Bruneau and her collaborator Mathieu Brisset secured three awards in the francophone popular songs category for their compositions "Partout," "Le blanc des yeux," and "Une bouteille à la mer." The evening also celebrated the achievements of other artists, with 12 Popular Song Awards presented in total.
Richard Séguin was a key figure at the gala, where he was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Séguin received a heartfelt musical tribute from fellow artists including Luce Dufault, Jorane, and Vincent Vallières, who performed some of his greatest hits. The emotional highlight of the night came when Séguin expressed his gratitude, stating, "There are so few places where we can salute the work done in this profession; it’s a beautiful opportunity for me to thank all those who have nourished me with their words, vision, and talent." His induction marked a significant moment in his career, recognizing decades of contributions to the music industry.
Diane Juster was also honored during the gala, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to Francophone music and copyright. Juster’s career spans decades, and she has played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of creators. During her acceptance speech, she emphasized the importance of involvement in one’s craft, urging younger artists to engage actively with their profession.
One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the presentation of the Cultural Impact Award to the hip-hop group Muzion for their song "La Vi Ti-Neg," making history as the first rap song to receive this honor. The performance by Shah Frank, Waahli, and Barnev brought the audience to their feet, celebrating the song's powerful message of unity and urban identity. Reflecting on their journey, Imposs from Muzion remarked, "We wrote this song to share and open up, coming from neighborhoods where dreaming of success wasn't an option when we started."
In addition to these prestigious awards, the gala also recognized the creative talents behind screen compositions. Cristobal Tapia de Veer received accolades for his work on the popular series "The White Lotus" and the film "Smile," winning the Screen Composer of the Year Award. Kaytranada was awarded the International Award, further cementing his influence beyond Canadian borders.
The evening also featured an array of surprise performances, including a vibrant rendition of "Évidemment" by La Zarra, which kicked off the event with energy and excitement. The performances underscored the night’s theme of celebrating artistic achievements and the importance of music in cultural identity.
Among the other notable winners were Fredz, who was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and Olivier Bibeau, awarded Breakthrough Screen Composer of the Year. The gala highlighted a diverse range of musical genres, with awards given to artists in hip-hop, country, jazz, and electronic music.
As the night drew to a close, SOCAN CEO Jennifer Brown reminded attendees of the historical significance of the evening. She expressed gratitude for the pioneers of copyright in Quebec, saying, "It is thanks to their determination that we have become such a strong group. Their legacy lives on, and we continue to follow in their footsteps today." This sentiment resonated throughout the gala, encapsulating the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the Canadian music industry.
In summary, the SOCAN 2025 Gala was a celebration of artistic excellence, cultural impact, and the enduring legacy of music creators. With heartfelt tributes, surprise performances, and a diverse array of award winners, the event not only honored the past but also looked forward to the future of music in Canada.
