Rolling out a new Special Merit Award, the Recording Academy presented the Grammy for Best Song For Social Change to Iranian artist Shervin Hajipour’s "Baraye”.
Chosen in light of the track’s association with the recent protests in Iran, ‘Baraye’ quickly became an anthem for the movement protesting the death of Mahsa Jina Amini while in police custody on September 16.
With over 40 million views in less than 48 hours, the track spoke to the outrage and frustration of people around the region, before being permenantly removed from Instagram.
Since then, the artist’s journey has been challenging and tumultuous, having been temporarily detained for accusations of spreading propaganda, and prohibited from leaving the country.
The award was presented by First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, stating that "He was arrested but this song continues to resonate around the world for its powerful theme: women, life, freedom.”
