The Ivors Academy celebrates eight recipients at inaugural honours

03 October 2025 - Press release

RAYE, KAE TEMPEST, SIR RICHARD BRANSON, JON PLATT, KANYA KING CBE, SIR CHRIS BRYANT MP, CATHERINE MANNERS AND JOHN SWEENEY (1959-2025) ARE HONOURED

THE HONOURS RECOGNISE ADVOCATES AND INNOVATORS WHO CHAMPION SONGWRITERS AND COMPOSERS AND SHAPE A FAIRER MUSIC INDUSTRY


The Ivors Academy tonight hosted its inaugural Honours ceremony at the InterContinental London Park Lane, recognising eight honourees who have championed songwriters and composers, helping to build a stronger, fairer, and more inclusive music industry: RAYE, Kae Tempest, Sir Richard Branson, Jon Platt, Kanya King CBE, Sir Chris Bryant MP, Catherine Manners and John Sweeney (1959-2025).

The Ivors Academy 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.

This year's recipients were recognised for the impact of their work across different areas of the industry. From songwriters like RAYE and Kae Tempest, executives and industry innovators including Sir Richard Branson, Jon Platt, Kanya King CBE and Catherine Manners, policymakers such as Sir Chris Bryant MP, and the late John Sweeney, each has played a pivotal role in supporting songwriters and composers, advancing fairness, and shaping a more inclusive and sustainable music industry.

Roberto Neri, Chief Executive of The Ivors Academy, said "Tonight we honoured those whose courage and commitment remind us that music thrives when songwriters and composers are respected, protected and championed. This evening celebrated individuals who have built their own incredible careers, while also working tirelessly to build better industry practices - resulting in more fairness, equality and therefore a more sustainable future for all songwriters and composers, and the music industry itself."

The 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.


ACADEMY TESTIMONIALS & QUOTES FROM HONOUREES
RAYE
For her outstanding advocacy and fearless leadership in championing fair treatment and recognition for songwriters. Her campaigning helped secure per diems for UK songwriters.
RAYE has been recognised as a rare and formidable voice advocating for songwriters. She has consistently used her platform to highlight the challenges faced by the "voiceless beating heart of the industry" and has called on record labels to provide per diems, expenses and fairer terms so that songwriters properly share the success of their music. From publicly challenging her former label to independently releasing the critically acclaimed My 21st Century Blues, RAYE has shown courage and independence, while also speaking out on wider issues such as misogyny, racism and mental health. Fearless in her campaigning and inspiring in her leadership, RAYE is one of the most exceptional songwriters of her generation. Remaining grounded, focused and tenacious throughout all her success including two Ivor Novello Awards and six Brits, she embodies the spirit of this honour, and the Academy is proud to recognise her leadership, voice and unwavering support for songwriters everywhere.
When accepting her honour, RAYE said on stage: "Being a songwriter is also one of the greatest privileges, and I think it's something that should be about grifting and talent, not about how rich you are, or to be in a good situation financially to be a songwriter. It shouldn't be about that."

Kae Tempest
For his unique creative voice, powerful artistry that has inspired cultural and social change, and strong advocacy for the LGBTQI+ community.
Kae Tempest has been recognised for his unique creative voice and the powerful way he has inspired cultural and social change. Through music, poetry, theatre and literature, he has consistently informed, challenged and highlighted urgent issues, while also being a strong advocate for the LGBTQI+ community. Winner of the 2024 Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song, with previous nominations across his career, Kae has become one of the most thought-provoking voices of his generation. This award is the Academy's way of thanking him for his vision, creativity and commitment to making a positive difference. From confronting difficult truths to offering hope in uncertain times, Kae has used his platform to spark vital conversations and drive change, amplifying voices too often unheard. This award recognises the profound impact of Kae's artistry and the enduring light he continues to shine.
Kae said: "This is my lifeforce. It's the greatest joy of my life writing lyrics, music and creativity. It's why I'm even still alive. We have access to the medicine as people that have access to creativity, and all the people that can't access it for whatever reason in their life, they need it. If we can access it, we can allow others to access it. It's very important work and powerful work, and it's the greatest honour of my life. I feel very honoured to be in a room among others who feel the same."

Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group
For his extraordinary contribution to music through Virgin Records, signing groundbreaking names and giving songwriters the freedom to innovate and succeed.
Sir Richard Branson has been recognised for his exceptional contributions to music and the legacy of Virgin Records in supporting songwriters and composers. His name is synonymous with bold ideas, fearless entrepreneurship and cultural change, but at the heart of his extraordinary journey lies music. From launching Virgin as a record retailer in 1970 to building Virgin Records into the world's biggest independent label and founding V2 Records, Richard created a home for some of the most influential voices in music and redefined what was possible for an independent music company. Signing artists as groundbreaking as Mike Oldfield and the Sex Pistols through to global icons like Peter Gabriel and The Rolling Stones, Virgin helped shape modern music and gave songwriters and composers the freedom to innovate and succeed. This award is the Academy's way of thanking him for his vision, entrepreneurship and enduring impact on music.
Sir Richard Branson said: "Empowering artists kick-started the whole Virgin brand. Music has been integral to all our Virgin companies, from radio stations to Megastores, to the Virgin Music label championing new artists today. Music is about taking a chance, seizing the moment, and having fun together. My philosophy for Virgin and in life, is to say 'screw it, let's do it'. I'm proud to accept this honour on behalf of everyone who keeps this spirit alive."

Kanya King CBE, CEO and Founder of the MOBO Group
For founding the MOBO Awards 30 years ago, transforming the British music landscape by elevating and celebrating Black creativity.
Kanya King is recognised for her extraordinary work to elevate, champion and support diverse musical talent through the founding of the MOBO Awards thirty years ago with no corporate backing, and the cultural movement it has inspired. Today, the MOBO organisation works year-round to motivate, elevate and celebrate talent, not only through its landmark awards ceremony but through initiatives such as MOBO UnSung, MOBOLISE and the MOBO Trust, which provide life-changing opportunities for the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs. From creating Europe's largest celebration of Black music and culture to building programmes that invest in artists and communities, Kanya has transformed the British music landscape through her tireless commitment to celebrating and elevating Black creativity. Her entrepreneurial spirit and cultural leadership have made her one of the most influential figures in British music. This award honours Kanya's vision and lasting impact on music and society.
Kanya said: "When I founded the MOBO Awards almost 30 years ago, it was with a simple but powerful belief: that Black music and culture deserved to be recognised, celebrated and respected at the highest level. To be honoured by The Ivors Academy is deeply humbling, and a reminder of the incredible creativity, resilience and brilliance of our artists & songwriters whose stories continue to inspire the world."

Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing
For his global leadership in music publishing and his vision in placing songwriters' wellbeing and success at the heart of the industry.
Jon Platt is recognised for his global leadership and advocacy for songwriters. As Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing, he has championed music creators across the business and driven initiatives that place songwriters' wellbeing and success at the heart of the industry, including the global programmes Songwriters Forward and Songwriter Assistance. Jon began his career as a DJ in Denver before moving into publishing at EMI, where he quickly earned a reputation for spotting icons-in-the-making, signing Jay-Z early in his career and later working with Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, Drake, Ye, Usher, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and countless others. He went on to serve as Chairman and CEO of Warner Chappell Music, where his leadership further shaped modern publishing and confirmed his reputation as an advocate for songwriters. Widely credited with elevating hip-hop and R&B within publishing, Jon's vision continues to shape the industry – forging partnerships with legendary songwriters, nurturing the next generation, and championing creators across the business. This Honour celebrates his extraordinary leadership and the music he has helped bring to the world.
Jon said: "When a songwriting organisation reaches out, that hits a bit different. It's not just an award. It's an honour to be recognised by an Academy that fights so hard on behalf of songwriters. Thank you for the fighting that you do every day. It's really appreciated."

Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade
For going above and beyond his ministerial remit to negotiate the introduction of per diems for UK songwriters, a global first.
Sir Chris Bryant is recognised for his leadership in championing songwriters and composers during his time as Minister of State at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. He played a pivotal role in securing commitments from UK record labels to provide per diems for songwriters, ensuring that when they attend writing sessions and recording projects their basic costs are covered. This was a world first, and a hard-fought, long-overdue, practical change to help create a fairer and more sustainable industry. During debates on the Data and AI Bill, Chris supported fair remuneration and underlined that music creators must share in the value of new technologies. The Member of Parliament for Rhondda and Ogmore since 2001, Chris has held ministerial posts across culture, media, technology and foreign affairs. Now a Minister at the Department for Business and Trade, this Honour recognises the lasting, practical difference he has made to songwriters and composers by securing per diems.
Sir Chris Bryant said: "Songwriters are miracle workers. They fashion something out of thin air that can move us, shake us, disturb us, lift us up or calm us down. Their words stick in our minds. They sum up a moment or they tell a story. And miracle workers deserve to be paid properly. Enough to make a living. Enough to reflect the joy they give us. Nobody should ever give the fruits of that labour away for free."

Catherine Manners, Founder of Manners McDade
For a distinguished career championing composers and building Manners McDade into a respected home for innovative voices in film, television and contemporary classical music.
Catherine Manners is honoured for a distinguished career championing composers from all backgrounds. From her early work at Wise Music to founding the respected agency and publisher Manners McDade, she built a company known for its independence, personal approach and distinctive catalogue. From the outset she created a home that was inclusive and welcoming of new voices across film, television, games, contemporary classical and electronic music. After selling her family house to raise capital, she went on to establish a publishing arm, nurturing a distinctive catalogue and building a team that became known for its integrity, creativity and independence. She nurtured the careers of Craig Armstrong, Joby Talbot and Max Richter, while also supporting a new generation of innovative composers including Nils Frahm. This award recognises her dedication, independence and vision, and thanks her for a lifetime of service to composers.
Catherine Manners said: "I chose to work with film and TV composers whose music I loved, composers who wanted to balance family or home life with their careers, composers who wrote their own music, didn't use ghostwriters and explored their creativity by releasing their music outside of the film and TV industry. I loved helping these composers expand their careers"

John Sweeney (1959-2025), Vice President, International at SESAC
Posthumously recognised for his tireless support and advocacy for songwriters, and his enduring legacy of generosity, integrity and kindness.
John Sweeney is posthumously recognised for his tireless advocacy and support of songwriters throughout his career. As a musician, he brought a writer's instinct and passion into his executive roles. At PRS for Music he became Director of Membership, working to improve fairness for songwriters and performers, and in 2000 co-founded the PRS Foundation, now the UK's leading charitable funder of new music. Joining SESAC in 2012 as Vice President, International, he championed artists including Glass Animals, Mumford & Sons, Alt-J and Disclosure, creating opportunities, supporting new talent and fostering collaborations worldwide. Ever-present at showcases, gigs and The Ivors, he sought out the next voice to encourage. Remembered for his leadership, vision and generosity, John was warm, kind and quick-witted, mentoring with integrity and leaving a legacy as an advocate, ally and friend to the songwriting community.
May Sweeney said: "John Sweeney was a passionate champion for songwriters and composers, and it's incredibly moving to see his legacy honoured. The recognition by The Ivors Academy Honours is a powerful tribute to his life's work and lasting impact on the industry. John dedicated himself to ensuring that songwriters were respected, valued, and heard, and it's deeply meaningful to see him receive that same respect and recognition now. On behalf of myself, John's friends, and his family, we are profoundly grateful to The Ivors Academy for this honour."