The Recording Academy
® has selected the courageous ballad “Ice Cream Man.” as the recipient of The
Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award. Written by four-time Grammy
® Award nominee RAYE (performer), three-time Grammy Award nominee BloodPop® and Mike Sabath, the song and its songwriters will be honored at the
Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony during Grammy Week on Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.
“We are honored 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 recognizing it along with its songwriters at this year’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony.”
RAYE, BloodPop® and Sabath’s “Ice Cream Man.,” which is featured on RAYE’s critically acclaimed debut album My 21st Century Blues, is 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. 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 to honor songwriters of message-driven music that speaks to the social issues of our time and has demonstrated and inspired positive global impact. Recipient(s) are selected annually by a committee composed of a community of peers dedicated to artistic expression, the craft of songwriting and the power of songs to effect social change. Named in honor of the late Harry Belafonte, a powerful voice for social justice throughout his illustrious career, this award recognizes exceptional contributions to music and social advocacy.
For more information about the award, including past recipients, visit here.