NEWS | RAYE Wins Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award for “Ice Cream Man”

British-Nigerian singer-songwriter RAYE has been honoured with the Recording Academy’s Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award for her powerful song “Ice Cream Man”. The song, featured on her debut album “My 21st Century Blues”, addresses themes of sexual assault, power imbalance, and trauma.

“Ice Cream Man” is a poignant anthem that transforms RAYE’s personal experience into a message of empowerment and accountability. The song’s lyrics demand attention to the systemic silence surrounding abuse, making it a crucial conversation starter. RAYE co-wrote the song with Michael Tucker and Mike Sabath, who will also receive the award.

The award recognises RAYE’s fearless storytelling and genre-defying sound, solidifying her position as a trailblazer in modern pop music. RAYE has consistently used her platform to advocate for songwriters’ rights and raise awareness about social issues.

The award will be presented at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony on January 31, 2026.