The Ivors Academy has announced that Ivor Novello Award-winning songwriter, poet and recording artist Kae Tempest will receive an Ivors Academy Honour in recognition of his “impactful artistry that sparks discussion, inspires change and gives voice to causes shaping society.”
In turn, Tempest becomes the second recipient to be announced so far, following on from the previously announced Raye. The Ivors Academy Honours celebrates "the advocates and innovators who champion songwriters and composers, helping to build a stronger, fairer and more inclusive music industry."
I am over the moon to be recognised by the Ivors Academy and included in a long line of songwriters whose work I cherish and adore
Kae Tempest
In more news from the ceremony, the Academy has also revealed that Edith Bowman will host the inaugural ceremony at the InterContinental London Park Lane on Thursday October 2.
The Ivors Academy Honours were officially unveiled as a dedicated awards ceremony last year. Previously, the Ivors Academy Honours were awarded in 2023 to Kevin Brennan MP, Rupert Hine (posthumously), Crispin Hunt and Carla Marie Williams at the Academy’s Global Creators Summit on AI.
Speaking about the honour, Tempest – an Ivor Novello Award winner in 2024 for Best Contemporary Song and previously twice nominated in 2020 for Best Album and Best Contemporary Song – said: “Writing lyrics and creating music is my deepest joy. I love it so much and am over the moon to be recognised by the Ivors Academy and included in a long line of songwriters whose work I cherish and adore. It’s taken a lifetime to get to the point where I feel strong enough to show up for my community in my lyrics. My music was always the place where I took refuge from the world. But it’s a beautiful feeling to celebrate the fullness of my experience in my work and see that resonating with other people. I’m full of gratitude for this moment and full of love for those who went before me and for those who will come after. I’ve received so much from music and I’m grateful for it every day, how beautiful to dedicate my life to giving with the same intensity with which I have received. I hope I get to do this for the rest of my life.”
Roberto Neri, chief executive of The Ivors Academy, said: “This Honour recognises Kae’s unique voice and advocacy for the LGBTQI+ community. Every word he writes is genius, inspirational and powerful beyond music. Kae is a beacon of light that informs and challenges in equal measure. I was fortunate to watch his Glastonbury set, which was life-changing, and this award is our way of saying thank you.”
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