At the 65th Grammy Awards, a new social justice award debuts.
In recognition of the growing importance of social justice, this year’s Grammy Awards awarded Iranian singer and songwriter, Shervin Hajipour, the first-ever recipient of the Best Song for Social Change Special Merit Award.
The award, given on air during the show’s broadcast on Sunday, Feb, 4., by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, honored Hajipour’s music, including his song “Baraye” on his Instagram that resulted in over 40 million views in just two days. The song mentions dancing in the street, currently illegal in Iran, and calls for freedom of the oppressive government, for everyone, but especially women. “For the girl who wished it was a boy, for women, life, freedom,” Hajipour sang.
Hajipour was arrested by the Iranian government after that video went viral.
“The Recording Academy is presenting a new award, recognizing a song that responds to social issues of our time, and has the potential for positive, global impact,” Biden said.
The winner was determined by a Blue Ribbon Committee and ratified by the Recording Academy Board of Trustees.
