SOCAN awards honour the Weeknd, Alessia Cara, ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ writer

TORONTO – Some of Canada’s biggest global pop performers nabbed honours at this year’s SOCAN Awards, including R&B powerhouse the Weeknd.

The Toronto-born “Can’t Feel My Face” singer took home several prizes, including one for international achievement and the songwriters of the year award, which he shared with frequent collaborator Ahmad Balshe, a rapper who performs under the name Belly.

Rising pop star Alessia Cara received the breakout award for newcomers during the awards gala held on Monday at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto.

Among the other honourees was “Hockey Night in Canada” theme song composer Dolores Claman who was given the cultural impact award.

Country singer Johnny Reid took home the national achievement award.

Canadian radio hits were also recognized in the pop/rock music category, with Francesco Yates’s “Better to be Loved,” Jocelyn Alice’s “Jackpot” and Scott Helman’s “Bungalow” among the winners.