Raye To Receive Special Award For Brave 2023 Song On Night Before Grammys
British singer, songwriter, and record producer Raye (born Rachel Agatha Keen) will be awarded the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31. The Recording Academy chose her 2023 song “Ice Cream Man” for the award for its message on the subject of sexual assault and rape–a very personal subject for Raye.
“Ice Cream Man” by Raye
Caution: Video contains adult themes of sexual violence that may be triggering for some individuals.
Raye wrote “Ice Cream Man” with co-writers Michael “Bloodpop” Tucker and Mike Sabath about her experience being abused by a record producer as a teenager. The song appeared on her debut full-length album My 21st Century Blues. On an album full of real-life experiences, “Ice Cream Man” feels the most real, the most personal, and the most raw. It addresses an issue that seems to be becoming an epidemic in nations across the globe. Raye’s bravery to tell her story for all to hear not only brings awareness to the issue of sexual assault/rape, but it also gives strength to the victims to tell their stories and seek justice.
While the single was far from a chart-topper, “Ice Cream Man” was clearly a success. The album’s sales and receiving this honor are both proof of that. The whole album is a bold step by a brave woman to steer society to right its wrongs, and to steer those suffering toward the help and justice that they deserve. Besides sexual assault, My 21st Century Blues addresses issues like body dysmorphia, eating disorders, drug addiction, self-image, patriarchy, and discrimination. She could have won this award several times over. Raye was nominated for three Grammy Awards last year, and this year, she is up for a Grammy for Best Music Film for “Raye: Live at the Royal Albert Hall.”
About the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award
The Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award was established by the Recording Academy 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 a global impact.” It was named for the late entertainer because of his powerful voice for social change throughout his career. Previous winners include Shervin Hajipour in 2023; K’naan, Steve McEvan, and Gerald Eaton in 2024; and Iman Jordan, Roy Gartrell, Tam Jones, and Ariel Loh in 2025.
The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony
The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony will also honor awardees in other categories. The Academy will recognize the lifetime achievements of Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, Cher, Fela Kuti, Paul Simon, and Whitney Houston. Bernie Taupin, Eddie Palmieri, and Sylvia Rhone will receive Trustees Awards, and John Chowning is the Technical Grammy Award.
How to Watch the Grammy Weekend Ceremonies
The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony will take place on January 31. The event is not scheduled to be televised. However, footage from the event is often used in video packages during the Grammy ceremony and sometimes uploaded to YouTube and the official Grammy Awards website.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 1, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ from 8 – 11:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The ceremony will be hosted by comedian Trevor Noah.
As the Recording Academy gives out more awards than could fit in a three-and-a-half-hour show, many of the technical awards and awards for smaller genres will be handed out at a ceremony earlier in the day on February 1, called the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony. That ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, starting at 3:30 p.m. EST. That ceremony will be streamed live on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and live.grammy.com.
