The Recording Academy has selected Raye’s Ice Cream Man as the recipient of The Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award.
Written by the four-time Grammy nominee, along with her collaborators BloodPop (also a former nominee) and Mike Sabath, the song and its creators will be honoured at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony during Grammy Week on January 31 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.
“We are honoured to present Ice Cream Man with this year’s Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award,” said Harvey Mason Jr, CEO of the Recording Academy. “This song is a powerful reminder of music’s unique ability to raise awareness, inspire change and provide a voice to those too often unheard. Its bravery embodies everything this award stands for, and we look forward to recognising it along with its songwriters at this year’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony.”
The award comes as Raye has peaked at No.1 this month in the UK and in the Top 20 of the US Hot 100 with current single Where Is My Husband!
Ice Cream Man was a standout ballad on Raye’s debut album My 21st Century Blues.
The Recording Academy described it as a “poignant anthem that transforms deeply personal trauma into a purpose: amplifying the voices of sexual assault survivors”.
“Through raw honesty, the lyrics demand accountability and confront the systemic silence that allows this abuse to continue,” added the statement. “The song’s compelling message underscores the urgent need for both empowerment and justice for survivors.”
The Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award is a CEO’s Merit Award established by the Recording Academy’s National Trustees in 2022. It aims to honour songwriters of message-driven music that speaks to social issues and has demonstrated a positive global impact.
Recipients are selected annually by a committee composed of a community of peers. The award was named in honour of the late Harry Belafonte, who was a powerful voice for social justice throughout his career.
PHOTO: Aliyah Otchere
FOLLOW 
