6 years of building an inclusive & equitable pipeline for Future Music Leaders: Richard Antwi Scholarship opens for 7th and final round
Alec Boateng and Taponeswa Mavunga congratulate the scholarship for its impact
Music Business Management MA – Online Open Day
28th February 2024, 12pm-1.30pm
Open day registration & Course info here
The Richard Antwi Scholarship has opened for its 7th and final round today, as it makes a call-out for applications from aspiring music industry leaders from marginalised communities, who possess the excellence and vision to make a difference to the music industry.
Applications for the scholarship is a two-step process, as applicants must first apply for and have an offer of a place on the Music Business Management MA course at University of Westminster, before then applying for the Richard Antwi Scholarship.
The Music Business Management MA course first Open Day of 2024 will be an online session on Wednesday 28th February 2024 at 12pm-1.30pm, registrations are open now. More info at https://www.richardantwi.org/, with course and scholarship details, thedeadline for scholarship applications is 31st May 2024.
With a clear vision across a finite lifespan to build a more inclusive and equitable pathway into the music industry for future leaders, the Richard Antwi Scholarship has across six years established a reputation as a vital component of the talent pipeline. Championing inclusion, promoting excellence and super charging fledgling careers of young, aspiring music industry executives from all kinds of diverse backgrounds, the scholarship has seen 6 scholars and 2 associate scholars come through the prestigious University of Westminster Music Business Management MA course, which acts as a bridge between academic study, research, and the professional world of music business; preparing students to become the next generation of music industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
It is an annual award awarded in conjunction with the University of Westminster, comprising a bursary for the full course fees, plus a ‘London Living Wage Stipend’ totalling £22,000, through generous funding from Universal Music UK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK, to cover the higher current cost of living and studying in London and will include mentorship and assistance with a work placement that will be aligned with the scholar’s professional focus and aspirations.
The scholarship’s Industry Champions and close friends of Richard Antwi, Alec Boateng (Co-President, 0207 Def Jam) and Taponeswa Mavunga (Director of Africa, Sony Music UK) once again support the announcement, encourage those with the ambition to sign up to the Course Open Day and celebrate the scholarship for its impact.
Alec Boateng (co-President, 0207 Def Jam) said: “It’s a really proud moment to see how far Richard’s scholarship has come over the six years since it was conceived. I know he would be blown away to see eight incredibly talented emerging executives have him to ultimately thank for the progression of their careers and the invaluable support they have received from the best in the biz. It’s my honour to support the Richard Antwi Scholarship on its final round, celebrate its impact and see Richard’s legacy in motion, as it empowers early music industry careers. I urge anyone wanting to make their mark in the music industry to stand on business, register and show up to the open day!”
Taponeswa Mavunga (Director of Africa, Sony Music UK) said “It’s bittersweet to see the Richard Antwi Scholarship opening for its final round. Richard had such an enormous influence on the music industry in life and I’m proud to support his legacy and bear witness to its success. I’ve met a number of the scholars over the years, including Shanice Edwards, who is already making her mark at Since ‘93/Sony Music UK. Testament to the high level of burgeoning talent coming through. I strongly encourage aspiring industry leaders, to please come through to the open day and seize the opportunity!”
Phillip Antwi said: “Eight years on from Richard’s passing, my family and I are humbled to see his impact on the industry continue through his scholarship. This seventh and final round of the scholarship will bring to a close its intake, but the impact and legacy of which will prevail for years to come through the incredible talent we have witnessed coming through. It has been such a privilege to pay tribute to my dear brother and all that he stood for, while helping to bring about a more equitable industry for talent that is underrepresented and lacking in the opportunities they richly deserve.”
2023 saw the scholarship award a full bursary and London Living Wage Stipend go to Jewel John, the co-founder of a live music events company and Music Business & Arts Management graduate. Previous scholars Jojo Mukeza (2018), Esther Lenda Bokuma (2019) who has now joined the Scholarship team Shanice Edwards (2021) Idris Green Holder (2021), Janelle Mitchell (2022), as well as two associate scholars, Daniel Beckley and Isatta Sheriff.
Esther Lenda Bokuma, 2019 scholar, said: “A lot has been achieved over the last 6 years thanks to Richard, his legacy, the support of the scholarship and his wonderful family and friends. He has inspired another generation of emerging Black executives to confidently build careers and take up space across the music business. And we’re all adding to the rich tapestry, infrastructure and evolving the framework of what it means to not only work in this sector, but to have real impact, just like Richard. It’s been a full circle moment to sit on the Richard Antwi Scholarship committee and welcome the latest scholars. As the future leaders of the music industry, we also have an important responsibility to keep passing on the baton and create more opportunities for underrepresented talent to thrive!”
The scholarship was created in 2016, following the sudden passing of hugely respected industry lawyer, manager and entrepreneur Richard Antwi, who had contributed to the Music Business Management MA course on numerous occasions as a guest lecturer. Richard’s passing caused an outpouring of goodwill from family, friends and many of the sector’s creators and shapers, who were close to Richard and experienced his support and counsel directly. The scholarship continues through the tireless dedication of a team of respected industry professionals who have shown an unwavering commitment to championing next generation talent. The first scholar was awarded in 2018 and 2024 will see the 7th scholar receive funding to continue Richard’s incredible legacy of supporting and enabling young, exceptional talent, with sharp instincts and ambition to fulfil their potential, to find their career pathway.
Ends.
Notes to Editors:
· About The Richard Antwi Scholarship team – The scholarship is run by a team who work on a voluntary basis: Phillip Antwi, Will Bloomfield, Sally Anne Gross (Reader Music Business, Music Business Management MA, University of Westminster), Paul Heard (musician, composer), Richard Hoare (Hoare Associates) and Esther Lenda Bokuma (Richard Antwi Scholar & artist). The team has committed to preserving the legacy of Richard’s kindness, strength and compassion, and the discipline with which he marked his life’s work.
· Music Business Management MA course at University of Westminster Course Leader is Sareata Ginda.
· How to apply for the Richard Antwi Scholarship - The scholarship’s aim is to support Black and minority ethnic students living in the UK. All applicants must first hold an offer of a place on the MA Music Business Management course. For more detailed information on the application and selection processes, and full terms, course details are here.
· About Richard Antwi - Richard was a much-loved and widely respected music manager, lawyer and entrepreneur. Always ahead of the curve with sharp instincts, great ears… and a handsome smile! As Carl Fysh succinctly put it ‘Richard was quietly at the centre of everything’. Of Ghanaian heritage, Richard’s back story was written in North West London, progressing from a state comprehensive to study law at Oxford University, before embarking on a successful career which saw him play pivotal roles in the ascendance of many of the artists and executives currently making moves and running major organisations in the UK. The breadth of Richard’s support for others became abundantly clear when he passed so suddenly in 2016. The affection and respect in which he was held by so many people across the music industry and beyond, manifested in a desire to channel this goodwill and honour him in a way that captures and continues his legacy.
· 2023 & 2024 scholarship funders: Universal Music UK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK.
· Previous scholarship funders have included all three UK major record labels, music publishers, and several of the top independent music companies and music law firms including: XL Records, Beggars Group, Young, Clintons, Hoare Associates and Modest! Management.
For further details contact Independent PR: Indy Vidyalankara at indy@indypendentpr.com
Building an inclusive & equitable pipeline for Future Music Leaders: Jewel John announced as 6th Richard Antwi Scholar
The Richard Antwi Scholarship announced today that Jewel John is its sixth scholar, who will be awarded a full scholarship for a place on University of Westminster’s highly regarded Music Business Management MA course, commencing later this month.
Jewel will also receive an additional new ‘London Living Wage Stipend’, through generous funding from Universal Music UK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK, to cover the higher current cost of living and studying in London. The bursary and stipend totals £22,000, plus mentorship and assistance with work placement that will be aligned with the scholar’s professional focus and aspirations.
Jewel John is a driven individual who recently earned a BA in Music Business & Arts Management. With a deep affinity for the music industry from a young age, she moved from Amsterdam to London to continue the pursuit of her academic ambitions and gain an in-depth understanding of the industry. Jewel is the co-founder of live music events company ‘Soul & the City’, which is a platform to develop and showcase young creatives and up-and-coming talent, whilst building a community of like-minded individuals and music professionals who share a love for music.
Phillip Antwi said: “Huge congratulations to Jewel John, my family and I welcome her into our growing community of scholars. After a competitive call for applications, we couldn’t be more delighted to award the hugely deserving Jewel as this year’s scholar. The Scholarship allows us to honour and continue Richard’s vision and values by contributing to a more equitable industry for exceptional young talent from underrepresented backgrounds. Major thanks to all our generous funders who enabled the additional ‘London Living Wage’ stipend, which was hugely needed in the current socio-economic climate. Seven years on since my dear brother Richard’s passing, it is wonderful and humbling to be part of his legacy and make a difference to aspiring young music business leaders through the Scholarship. Richard would have undoubtedly been very proud to see the impact on young careers the Scholarship has had.”
Jewel John said: "Receiving the Richard Antwi Scholarship is such an honour and blessing. The access to the course, plus professional mentorship and the opportunity to build relationships along the way is an absolute game changer in the pursuit of my career. I am so excited and looking forward to starting this journey! I aspire to create opportunities for my community and young emerging artists. This will be a huge push in that direction."
Now in its 5th year, the Richard Antwi Scholarship continues to build a more inclusive and equitable pipeline into the industry for future leaders. It is an annual award that has established itself as a trusted progression pathway into professional careers for young, aspiring music industry executives from underrepresented communities with the passion, drive and commitment to make a contribution to the music industry. The Music Business Management MA course acts as a bridge between academic study, research and the professional world of music business; preparing students to become the next generation of music industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
The scholarship was created in 2016, following the sudden passing of hugely respected industry lawyer, manager and entrepreneur Richard Antwi, who had contributed to the Music Business Management MA course on numerous occasions as guest lecturer. The first scholar was awarded in 2018 and the scholarship continues through the tireless dedication of a team of respected industry professionals who have shown an unwavering commitment to championing next generation talent.
2022 saw the scholarship award a full bursary to Janelle Mitchell, a London-based DJ and emerging music executive at Believe. In 2021, to counter the hiatus caused by the pandemic, a scholarship was awarded to two exceptionally talented scholars Shanice Edwards and Idris Green Holder, the former now works at Sony Music and the latter received a scholarship supported by Universal Music UK and is now working at 0207 Def Jam. Previous scholars include inaugural recipient Jojo Mukeza (2018), Esther Bokuma (2019) who has now joined the Scholarship team,as well as associate scholars, Daniel Beckley and Isatta Sheriff.
Ends.
Press Assets here
Notes to Editors:
· Image left to right: Isatta Sheriff (associate scholar), Idris Green-Holder (scholar, 2021), Daniel Beckley (associate scholar), Janelle Mitchell (scholar 2022), Shanice Edwards (scholar 2021), Esther Bokuma (scholar 2019), photographer: Sam Edrisi
· About The Richard Antwi Scholarship team – The scholarship is run by a team who work on a voluntary basis: Phillip Antwi, Will Bloomfield, Sally Anne Gross (Reader Music Business, Music Business Management MA, University of Westminster), Alex Hannaby (Big Machine Label Group), Paul Heard (musician, composer), Richard Hoare (Hoare Associates) and Esther Bokuma (Richard Antwi Scholar). The team has committed to preserving the legacy of Richard’s kindness, strength and compassion, and the discipline with which he marked his life’s work.
· How to apply for the Richard Antwi Scholarship - The scholarship’s aim is to support Black and minority ethnic students living in the UK. All applicants must first hold an offer of a place on the MA Music Business Management course. For more detailed information on the application and selection processes, and full terms, course details are here. Deadline for scholarship applications is 30th June 2023.
· About Richard Antwi - Richard was a much-loved and widely respected music manager, lawyer and entrepreneur. Always ahead of the curve with sharp instincts, great ears… and a handsome smile! As Carl Fysh succinctly put it ‘Richard was quietly at the centre of everything’. Of Ghanaian heritage, Richard’s back story was written in North West London, progressing from a state comprehensive to study law at Oxford University, before embarking on a successful career which saw him play pivotal roles in the ascendance of many of the artists and executives currently making moves and running major organisations in the UK. The breadth of Richard’s support for others became abundantly clear when he passed so suddenly in 2016. The affection and respect in which he was held by so many people across the music industry and beyond, manifested in a desire to channel this goodwill and honour him in a way that captures and continues his legacy.
· With thanks to scholarship funders: Universal Music UK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK.
· Previous scholarship funders have included all three UK major record labels, music publishers, and several of the top independent music companies and music law firms including: XL Records, Beggars Group, Young, Clintons, Hoare Associates and Modest! Management.
For further details contact Independent PR: Indy Vidyalankara atindy@indypendentpr.com/ 07881 822571
Building an inclusive & equitable pipeline for Future Music Leaders: Richard Antwi Scholarship opens for 6th round with doubled fund, including additional ‘London Living Wage’ stipend
Alec Boateng and Taponeswa Mavunga champion scholarship with call to ‘Drop In’ at Open Day.
Music Business Management MA – Drop In Open Day
Saturday May 20th 2023, 12pm-3pm, University of Westminster, New Cavendish Street
Course info & application form here
The Richard Antwi Scholarship hasopened for its 6th round today, with a call out for applications from future music industry leaders fromunderrepresented communities with the passion, drive and commitment to make a contribution to the music industryand who already hold an offer of a place on the Music Business Management MA course at University ofWestminster.
The Music Business Management MA course first Open Day of 2023 needs no sign-up or registration and will be a ‘Drop In’ session taking place in person on Saturday 20thMay 2023, 12pm-3pm at C1.52 – Small Lecture hall, 115 New Cavendish Street, University of Westminster, W1.More info at https://www.richardantwi.org/, course details and scholarship application form is here. The deadline for scholarship applications is 30th June 2023.
Now in its 5th year, the Richard Antwi Scholarship has established itself as a trusted progression pathway into professional careers for young, aspiring music industry executives. Building a more inclusive and equitable pipeline into the industry for future leaders. It is an annual award comprising full course fees, awarded in conjunction with the University of Westminster.
This year, through generous funding from Universal MusicUK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK, it offers an additional a new ‘London Living Wage Stipend’ to cover the higher current cost of living and studying in London. This will include a bursary and stipend that totals £22,000, plus mentorship and assistance with work placement that will be aligned with the scholar’s professional focus and aspirations. The 2023 scholarship pot is more than double the value of the 2022 scholarship, which was a bursary of £10,500. The course acts as a bridge between academic study, research, and the professional world of music business; preparing students to become the next generation of music industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
The scholarship’s Industry Champions and close friends of Richard Antwi, Alec Boateng (Co-President, 0207 Def Jam) and Taponeswa Mavunga (Director of Africa, Sony Music UK), are once again supporting the announcement toencourage ambitious talent who are ready to seize the opportunity to sign up now to the Course Open Day and find out more.
Alec Boateng (co-President, 0207 Def Jam) said: “Richard would be so proud of all that his scholarship has achieved, I just know if he was here he’d be mentoring each of the scholars. I’m really proud to still be supporting the Richard Antwi Scholarship, it continues to empower careers that are just beginning in the music business. Idris Green Holder, the Universal Music UK scholar is doing great in our label team, I love to see it. If you want to get support to study and receive all the funding and tools for a career as a music industry leader, then you need get to the open day and find out more!”
Taponeswa Mavunga (Director of Africa, Sony Music UK) said “Every year when the scholarship opens for applications, I feel honoured to be asked to support it. I miss Richard so much and think of him often, but I am glad to be connected to and support his legacy. This year, it’s great to see an even bigger pot of funding available to support a young person studying in London at this time, and I’m really happy that Sony Music UK are among the funders. It shows Richard’s influence and how much affection there is for him and what the scholarship represents. I urge anyone interested to get down to the open day, it could change your life.”
Phillip Antwi said: “It has been seven years since Richard’s passing, and I am endlessly blown away by seeing his legacy and vision still alive and making a difference through his Scholarship. My family and I are humbled to see that Richard’s scholarship stays true to its purpose and now opens for its sixth round. It allows us not only to honour and pay tribute to my very special brother and his values, but also to help bring about a more equitable industry for underrepresented young talent with all the drive and ambition, but not the access and opportunities they so deserve. There is still a clear need for the scholarship, and in the current economic climate, more funding was needed for a young person to live in London, especially those from low income backgrounds which are the hardest hit. So huge thanks to all our generous funders who have enabled us to offer the new ‘London Living Wage’ stipend. We know that Richard would love to see the industry careers that have been forged by the scholarship.”
The scholarship was created in 2016, following the sudden passing of hugely respected industry lawyer, manager and entrepreneur Richard Antwi, who had contributed to the Music Business Management MA course on numerous occasions as a guest lecturer. Richard’s passing caused an outpouring of goodwill from family, friends and many of the sector’s creators and shapers, who were close to Richard and experienced his support and counsel directly. The scholarship continues through the tireless dedication of a team of respected industry professionals who have shown an unwavering commitment to championing next generation talent. The first scholar was awarded in 2018 and 2023 will see the 6th scholar receive funding to continue Richard’s incredible legacy of supporting and enabling young, exceptional talent, with sharp instincts and ambition to fulfil their potential, find their career pathway. 2023 is set to be ever more competitive, with a burgeoning talent pool of excellence from black and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
2022 saw the scholarship award a full bursary to Janelle Mitchell, a London-based DJ and emerging music executive at Believe. Meanwhile in 2021, to counter the hiatus caused by the pandemic, a scholarship was awarded to two exceptionally talented scholars Shanice Edwards and Idris Green Holder, the former now works at Sony Music and the latter received a scholarship supported by Universal Music UK and is now working at 0207 Def Jam. Previous scholars include inaugural recipient Jojo Mukeza (2018),Esther Bokuma (2019) who has now joined the Scholarship team, as well as associate scholars, Daniel Beckley andIsatta Sheriff.
Esther Bokuma, 2019 scholar, said “The Richard Antwi Scholarship was a real investment into my education, my professional network and most importantly my confidence as a young Black woman navigating the music business. It encouraged me to explore different aspects of the industry, as well as hone in on what was unique about my voice and what I had to offer not only as an Artist, but as an industry professional. For those who want to accelerate their career in music, come to the Open Day to find out more about the Masters and how to apply for the scholarship!”
Idris Green-Holder, 2021 scholar, said “The Richard Antwi Scholarship helped to give me a visibility within the music industry would have been extremely hard to attain without years of experience. Opening doors and giving me opportunities that have given my career a boost that is hard to measure for its impact on my life.”
Janelle Mitchell, 2022 scholar said “The Richard Antwi scholarship has been completely life-changing and I haven’t even finished the course yet. The amount of knowledge and networking opportunities that I have been exposed to have been so valuable to my development and I’m so excited to embark on the next chapter of my career once I graduate.”
Ends.
Press Assets here
Notes to Editors:
• Image left to right: Isatta Sheriff (associate scholar), Idris Green-Holder (scholar, 2021), Daniel Beckley (associate scholar), Janelle Mitchell (scholar 2022), Shanice Edwards (scholar 2021), Esther Bokuma (scholar 2019), photographer: Sam Edrisi
• About The Richard Antwi Scholarship team – The scholarship is run by a team who work on a voluntary basis: Phillip Antwi, Will Bloomfield, Sally Anne Gross (Reader Music Business, Music Business Management MA, University of Westminster), Alex Hannaby (Big Machine Label Group), Paul Heard (musician, composer), Richard Hoare (Hoare Associates) and Esther Bokuma (Richard Antwi Scholar). The team has committed to preserving the legacy of Richard’s kindness, strength and compassion, and the discipline with which he marked his life’s work.
• How to apply for the Richard Antwi Scholarship - The scholarship’s aim is to support Black and minority ethnic students living in the UK. All applicants must first hold an offer of a place on the MA Music Business Management course. For more detailed information on the application and selection processes, and full terms, course details are here. Deadline for scholarship applications is 30th June 2023.
• About Richard Antwi - Richard was a much-loved and widely respected music manager, lawyer and entrepreneur. Always ahead of the curve with sharp instincts, great ears… and a handsome smile! As Carl Fysh succinctly put it ‘Richard was quietly at the centre of everything’. Of Ghanaian heritage, Richard’s back story was written in North West London, progressing from a state comprehensive to study law at Oxford University, before embarking on a successful career which saw him play pivotal roles in the ascendance of many of the artists and executives currently making moves and running major organisations in the UK. The breadth of Richard’s support for others became abundantly clear when he passed so suddenly in 2016. The affection and respect in which he was held by so many people across the music industry and beyond, manifested in a desire to channel this goodwill and honour him in a way that captures and continues his legacy.
• With thanks to scholarship funders: Universal Music UK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK.
• Previous scholarship funders have included all three UK major record labels, music publishers, and several of the top independent music companies and music law firms including: XL Records, Beggars Group, Young, Clintons, Hoare Associates and Modest! Management.
For further details contact Independent PR: Indy Vidyalankara at indy@indypendentpr.com / 07881 822571