British singer and songwriter RAYE has been named the 2026 Hitmaker of the Year, recognizing her achievements in music and her continued success as an independent artist.
The honor will be presented at the 10th annual Hitmakers event in Los Angeles on December 5, celebrating artists and songwriters who have made a significant impact on the music industry.
RAYE becomes the first independent artist to receive the distinction, marking another milestone in a career that has gained international recognition.
Her achievements include a record-breaking six wins at the 2024 BRIT Awards, more than 10 billion cumulative streams, and 21 Top 40 singles in the United Kingdom.
Songs such as Escapism and Prada helped expand her global audience, while her songwriting and live performances have strengthened her reputation across the industry.
Her second studio album, This Music May Contain Hope, also earned the 2026 Mercury Prize.
The upcoming celebration will recognize several other artists, including Olivia Rodrigo, KATSEYE, and Sienna Spiro.
