RAYE, Kae Tempest, Richard Branson Among 2025 Ivors Academy Recipients

The Ivors Academy today revealed the full list of recipients of its inaugural honours recognizing those helping to build “a stronger, fairer and more inclusive music industry,” by the Academy’s own admission, with a focus on songwriters and composers.

Previously announced honorees are RAYE, who will receive an Ivors Academy Honour in recognition of her campaigning to drive positive change for songwriters and composers; and Kae Tempest, in recognition of his impactful artistry that sparks discussion, inspires change and gives voice to causes shaping society.

The Ivors Academy Honours are not to be confused with the Ivor Novello Award, which honor songwriters and composers for their concrete songs, and which RAYE won twice, and Kae Tempest once.

Broadcaster Edith Bowman will host the ceremony, which takes place at the InterContinental London Park Lane, Oct. 2, 2025. Joining previously announced honorees RAYE and Kae Tempest are Catherine Manners, founder of Manners McDade; Sir Chris Bryant MP, minister of state at the department for business and trade; John Sweeney (1959 – 2025), vice president, international at SESAC, honored posthumously; Jon Platt, chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing; Kanya King CBE, CEO and founder of the MOBO Group; and Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group.

Roberto Neri, chief executive of The Ivors Academy said: “Songwriters and composers are at the centre of music and The Ivors Academy Honours celebrate the people who empower and stand with them.

“I’m proud to announce this incredible list of cultural icons, entrepreneurs, visionaries and advocates. Together with the artistry of RAYE and Kae Tempest, and in honour of the late John Sweeney, our honorees embody what it means to champion and make a lasting difference to the songwriting and composing community.”

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The Ivors Academy Honours continue the legacy of the Academy’s Gold Badge Awards, first held in 1974, and previously awarded to figures including songwriter and campaigner Carla Marie Williams MBE, politician Kevin Brennan, Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis CBE and activist and artist Bob Geldof.

The Honours celebrate music creators and executives setting higher standards across the sector, and whose advocacy, leadership and innovation are shaping a better future for songwriters and composers.

The Ivors Academy Honours 2025 are supported by IMRO, MCPS, the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), PPL, PRS for Music, Royalty Access Studio, Sentric Music, SESAC Music Group and TikTok.

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