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 songwriter(s) 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 entertainment icon Harry Belafonte, who was a powerful voice for social justice throughout his illustrious career, this award recognizes exceptional contributions to music and social advocacy.

The submission period for the current cycle of The Harry Belafonte Best Song Social Change Award is July 17, 2024 - August 30, 2024. For current guidelines and to make a submission, please visit https://songforsocialchange.submit.live.

For inquiries about the Harry Belafonte Best Song For Social Change Award, please contact us at [email protected].

TITLE	SONGWRITER	AWARDED
Baraye	Shervin Hajipour	2023
Refugee	K’naan, Steve McEwan, and Gerald Eaton	2024

^Formerly known as the Best Song For Social Change Award from 2022-2024.

^^Recategorized from Special Merit Award to CEO’s Merit Award in 2024.