“Ice Cream Man.” by RAYE Honored With The Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award

Songwriters RAYE, BloodPop® and Mike Sabath to Be Recognized at the Recording Academy^®’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony During Grammy^® Week

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the Grammy Museum^®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares^®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the Grammy Awards^® — music’s only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world’s leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Grammy Awards and the Recording Academy, please visit Grammy and RecordingAcademy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, join the Recording Academy’s social communities on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads and X. For media assets, please visit the Recording Academy Press Room.

ABOUT RAYE

RAYE is a multi-award-winning British artist redefining modern pop music through fearless storytelling and genre-defying sound. A four-time Grammy nominee, the South London native made history at the 2025 Grammy Awards as the first artist ever nominated for both Best New Artist and Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical) in the same year. She previously shattered records at the 2024 BRIT Awards, winning six trophies—the most in a single year—and becoming the first woman named Songwriter of the Year. Her current UK #1, Platinum-certified single, “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”, serves as the lead release from her highly anticipated sophomore album, due in 2026, and marks her highest-charting solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 (#13). In January, RAYE kicks off her 51-date headline run, THIS TOUR MAY CONTAIN NEW MUSIC, spanning arena dates across Europe, the UK, and North America, before joining Bruno Mars’ The Romantic Tour for 14 stadium shows across the US. For tickets and more information, visit RAYEofficial.com.

ABOUT BLOODPOP®

Kansas City native BloodPop® is a world-renowned musician, record producer, and songwriter. His widespread talents have allowed him to work with some of the most celebrated artists in the world and garner a range of impressive credits, including executive producing Lady Gaga’s “Chromatica” album, executive producing for Japanese girl group, F5ve, and co-writing and producing songs for Justin Bieber, Beyoncé, Madonna, Charlie Puth and RAYE. His lifelong passion for gaming as well as his prior studies in video game design have played a significant role in terms of his creative process, inspiring the force behind his music. With his determination to bring optimism to the music industry and connect with people, BloodPop® continues to grow his reputation as one of the most sought after songwriters and producers today.

ABOUT MIKE SABATH

Fresh off the release of his sophomore solo full-length record, Album II: The Land Of The Twisted Tree, producer/songwriter/musician Mike Sabath blends vulnerability with tender lyricism, masterful production, and danceable beats into a genre-blurring cinematic experience providing a stellar independent debut. He also has a knack for helping artists get to know themselves better. His work with superstars has led to global chart success and made Sabath one of the most in-demand songwriters and producers of today. As a songwriter and producer, Sabath has worked closely with RAYE on her bonafide UK #1 single “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” and her critically acclaimed debut album, My 21st Century Blues, which earned a record-breaking six BRIT Awards. He has also produced hits for JADE, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, Selena Gomez, Zara Larsson, Lizzo, Empress Of, and Niall Horan. In difficult moments, Sabath looks beyond the visible world for comfort, and this is heavily reflected in his songwriting. Sabath is a creator who leads with his heart, approaching both his work as a producer and as an artist with the intention of bringing more love and light into the world.