Kae Tempest is going to receive an Ivors Academy Honour

The Ivors Academy has announced that Kae Tempest will receive an Ivors Academy Honour, with broadcaster Edith Bowman set to host the inaugural Ivors Academy Honours at the InterContinental London Park Lane on 2nd October 2025.

The Ivors Academy Honours recognise advocates and innovators who champion songwriters and composers, continuing the legacy of the Gold Badge Awards, first held in 1974. Previous recipients of that accolade include songwriter and campaigner Carla Marie Williams MBE, politician Kevin Brennan, Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis CBE, and activist and artist Bob Geldof.

Tempest won an Ivor Novello Award in 2024 for Best Contemporary Song with 'Geronimo Blues' alongside Kwake Bass, Peter Bennie, Biscuit and Raven Bush of Speakers Corner Quartet, and was twice nominated in 2020 for Best Album and Best Contemporary Song. His work spans music, poetry, theatre and literature.

Kae 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. It’s taken a lifetime to get to the point where I feel strong enough to show up for my community in my lyrics. My music was always the place where I took refuge from the world. But it’s a beautiful feeling to celebrate the fullness of my experience in my work and see that resonating with other people. I’m full of gratitude for this moment and full of love for those who went before me and for those who will come after. I’ve received so much from music and I’m grateful for it every day, how beautiful to dedicate my life to giving with the same intensity with which I have received. I hope I get to do this for the rest of my life.”

Roberto Neri, Chief Executive of The Ivors Academy, said: “This Honour recognises Kae’s unique voice and advocacy for the LGBTQI+ community. Every word he writes is genius, inspirational and powerful beyond music. Kae is a beacon of light that informs and challenges in equal measure. I was fortunate to watch his Glastonbury set, which was life-changing, and this award is our way of saying thank you.”

Tempest is the second recipient to be announced after RAYE.