RAYE 's 'Ice Cream Man' set to be awarded Grammy for Best song for Social Change

RAYE’s “Ice Cream Man.” has been named the recipient of the Recording Academy’s 2026 Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award, recognising the song’s cultural and social impact.

The award will be presented at the Special Merit Awards ceremony on Saturday, January 31, at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. The song first appeared on RAYE’s 2023 debut album, My 21st Century Blues. RAYE wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music with Michael Tucker, known professionally as BloodPop, and Mike Sabath, with all three also serving as co-producers.

“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.”

“Ice Cream Man.” has previously received critical recognition. In 2024, Billboard ranked the track at number 35 on its list of “The 100 Greatest Songs About the Music Industry”. 

RAYE has earned four Grammy nominations, including songwriter of the year, non-classical, in 2025. BloodPop has received three Grammy nominations, including best song written for visual media for “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick. RAYE and Sabath also collaborated on her current hit “Where Is My Husband!”

The Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award was established in 2022 to honour songwriters whose work addresses contemporary social issues. “Ice Cream Man.” is the fourth song to receive the award and the third since it was renamed in honour of Belafonte, who died in 2023 aged 96.