THE RICHARD Antwi Scholarship has opened for its seventh and final round today, as it makes a call-out for applications from aspiring music industry leaders from marginalised communities.
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 six scholars and two 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 presented 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.
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 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.
Boateng enthused: “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!”
Mavunga 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 six 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 seventh 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.
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, the deadline for scholarship applications is 31st May 2024.
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