Photo credit: Billboard
Music has always been a powerful tool for storytelling, but rarely does a song possess the raw, transformative power of RAYE’s “Ice Cream Man.” This week, the Recording Academy® announced that the courageous ballad has been selected as the recipient of the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award. This prestigious honor recognizes the song’s profound impact in raising awareness and providing a sanctuary for survivors of sexual assault.
Transforming Pain into Global Purpose
Featured on her critically acclaimed debut album, My 21st Century Blues, “Ice Cream Man.” is far more than a chart-topping track; it is a poignant anthem for justice. Songwriters RAYE, BloodPop®, and Mike Sabath will be recognized for their work during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre.
The song tackles the heavy subject of sexual assault with a level of vulnerability that demands accountability and confronts systemic silence. As Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, noted, the track serves as a “powerful reminder of music’s unique ability to raise awareness” and gives a voice to those who have been too often unheard.
The Legacy of the Harry Belafonte Award
Established in 2022, this CEO’s Merit Award honors message-driven music that inspires positive global impact. It is named after the late Harry Belafonte, a legendary artist and civil rights icon who spent his life at the intersection of music and social justice. By receiving this award, RAYE and her collaborators join a legacy of artists who use their platform to move the needle on the defining social issues of our time.
This recognition comes during a historic period for RAYE. Having recently made history as the first artist nominated for both Best New Artist and Songwriter of the Year at the 2025 Grammys, she continues to redefine the modern pop star as a fearless advocate.
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