The Richard Antwi Scholarship is calling out for applications from future Music industry leaders from underrepresented communities to apply for a spot on the University of Westminster’s Music Business Management MA course.
The Richard Antwi Scholarship, which was established in 2016, aims to provide full support to a student on the Music Business Management MA course at the University of Westminster and is aimed at Music entrepreneurs from the UK Black and Minority Ethnic community.
It is an annual award given in conjunction with the University of Westminster, comprising of a bursary for the full course fees, a London Living Wage Stipend totalling £22,000 and mentorship and assistance with a work placement aligned to the scholar’s professional focus and aspirations. The scholarship is funded by Universal Music UK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK.
Richard Antwi was a much-loved and widely respected Music Manager, Lawyer and Entrepreneur who played a pivotal role in the careers of Wretch 32, Lethal Bizzle, Daley, Wiley, Tinie Tempah and others. His untimely death in 2016, at the age of just 38, triggered a flood of tributes from across the music industry. He regularly mentored young Black and Minority Ethnic entrepreneurs in the community and contributed to the Music Business Management MA course at the University of Westminster as a guest speaker.
Since its launch 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.
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. Applicants do not need to have an undergraduate degree but they should share Richard Antwi’s passion for music and his entrepreneurial spirit.
About the Scholarship, last year’s recipient Jewel John, said: "Receiving the Richard Antwi Scholarship is such an honour and blessing. The access to professional mentorship and the opportunity to build relationships along the way is an absolute game changer in the pursuit of my career.”
Another recipient, Esther Bokuma, added: “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 Master’s and how to apply for the scholarship!”
The scholarship is championed by close friends of Richard Antwi, Alec Boateng, Co-President of the music label 0207 Def Jam, and Taponeswa Mavunga, the Director of Africa, Sony Music UK.
About the scholarship Boateng 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 to get to the open day and find out more!”
Application for the scholarship is a two-step process. Applicants must first apply for and have an offer of a place on the Music Business Management MA course at the University of Westminster before applying for the Richard Antwi Scholarship.
The Music Business Management MA course’s first Open Day of 2024 will be an online session on 28 February at 12pm-1.30pm. Registrations are now open.
The deadline for scholarship applications is 31 May 2024.
This scholarship contributes towards the Reduced Inequalities (10) development goal of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were adopted by the University of Westminster to help make the University a more sustainable, responsible and inclusive place to live, work and study.
Find more information and apply.
Learn more about Music courses at the University of Westminster.
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