The Recording Academy has selected "Ice Cream Man." as the recipient of the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award. Written by four-time Grammy nominee RAYE (performer), three-time Grammy 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 in Los Angeles, in the lead-up to the 2026 Grammys.

RAYE, BloodPop and Sabath's "Ice Cream Man.," which is featured on RAYE's critically acclaimed debut albumMy 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.

"We are honored to present 'Ice Cream Man.' with this year's Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement. "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."

Grammy Week is the Recording Academy's weeklong celebration comprising official Grammy Week events celebrating the music community and current Grammy nominees in the lead-up to the annual Grammy Awards. Grammy Week 2026 culminates with the 2026 Grammys, which take place live Sunday, Feb. 1, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The 2026 Grammys will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream on Paramount+ at 5-8:30 p.m. PT/8-11:30 p.m. ET. Hours ahead of the live telecast, the 2026 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on live.grammy.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.

Learn more about the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award and the 2026 honoree below.

Learn More 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 Grammys 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 awards — the most in a single year — and becoming the first woman named Songwriter of the Year. Her current U.K. No. 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 (No. 13). In January, RAYE kicks off her 51-date headline tour, This Tour May Contain New Music, spanning arena dates across Europe, the U.K., and North America, before joining Bruno Mars' The Romantic Tour for 14 stadium shows across the U.S.

Learn More About BloodPop

Kansas City native BloodPop is a world-renowned musician, record producer, and songwriter. He's worked with some of the most celebrated artists in the world and has garnered a range of impressive credits, including executive-producing Lady Gaga's Chromatica, 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 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.

Learn More 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. His work with superstars has led to global chart success and has made Sabath one of the most in-demand songwriters and producers today. As a songwriter and producer, Sabath has worked closely with RAYE on her bona fide U.K. No. 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.

Learn More About The Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award

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. See all past recipients of the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award.