Kae Tempest to receive Ivors Academy Honour for impactful songwriting

The Ivors Academy has announced that musician and poet Kae Tempest will receive an Ivors Academy Honour at the inaugural ceremony in October this year. 

The Ivor Novello award-winning songwriter will receive an Ivors Academy Honour in “recognition of his impactful artistry that sparks discussion, inspires change and gives voice to causes shaping society”. 

The Academy has also revealed that Scottish broadcaster and radio DJ Edith Bowman will host the inaugural ceremony at the InterContinental London Park Lane on Thursday 2nd October 2025.

The Ivors Academy Honours celebrate the advocates and innovators who champion songwriters and composers, helping to build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive music industry.

Tempest has previously won Ivor Novello's Best Contemporary Song award in 2024 with 'Geronimo Blues', and was twice nominated in 2020 for Best Album and Best Contemporary Song.

About the Ivor Honour, Tempest said, “Writing lyrics and creating music is my deepest joy. I love it so much and am over the moon to be recognised by The Ivors Academy and included in a long line of songwriters whose work I cherish and adore.”

Tempest is the second recipient to be announced after Raye, who will become the first-ever to receive a new Ivors Honour for songwriting advocacy after she called for better pay and greater recognition for songwriters. Both will be awarded at the ceremony in October.

Recognising music creators and executives setting higher standards across the sector, previously awarded figures include songwriter and campaigner Carla Marie Williams, Welsh Labour politician Kevin Brennan, Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis, and activist and artist Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats).

The Ivors Academy is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting music writers, protecting their rights, empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive, and celebrating their craft.

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Header image credit: Kae Tempest