The 65th Grammy award ceremony will featured a new category for the ‘Best Song for Social Change’ in an effort to fuel the growth of impactful and message-driven music and highlight socially conscious music.

‘Best Song for Social Change’ is a special merit award that will be determined by a Blue Ribbon Committee and ratified by the Recording Academy Board of Trustees.

CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason Jr said this category is an opportunity to highlight stories that bring about change.

“I think it really shows what the Academy does, which is to shine a light on music, music people, and excellence in music,” said Mason.

He added that “this particular award shines a light on something that’s been really important throughout music history: music that’s created to drive change, awareness or recognition”.

The announcement of the new category was made earlier this month (October 13), just days after the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica placed a ban on music glorifying violence or drugs, which arguably create the opposite effect of what is now being celebrated by the Academy.

At the same time, a total of 23 Jamaican artistes are being considered in the ‘Best Reggae Album’ category.

They include Masicka, Shaggy, Elephant Man, Bling Dawg, Koffee, Spice, I-Octane, Jahmiel, Hezron, Demarco, Konshens, Jimmy Cliff, Yaadcore, Sizzla, Sean Paul, Teflon, Kabaka Pyramid, Rygin King, Protoje, Bugle, Tommy Lee, Vybz Kartel and Stick Figure.