The Richard Antwi Scholarship has officially opened applications for its seventh and final round on Thursday (February 15).
Aspiring music industry leaders from marginalized communities are invited to apply. The scholarship is open to Black and minority ethnic students who demonstrate “excellence and vision,” with the aim of making a meaningful impact on the music industry, according to a press release.
The scholarship, awarded annually in collaboration with the University of Westminster, covers full course fees and includes a ‘London Living Wage Stipend’ totaling £22,000 (approx. $27,600), reflecting the the higher cost of living and studying in London.
Additionally, mentorship and assistance with a work placement aligned with the scholar’s professional aspirations are provided.
The scholarship is supported by funding from Universal Music UK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK, and Sony Music Publishing UK. It was established in 2016 following the untimely passing of Richard Antwi, a highly regarded music lawyer and entrepreneur.
Applicants for the scholarship undergo a two-step process. Initially, they must apply for and secure an offer of a place on the Music Business Management MA course at the University of Westminster. Subsequently, they can apply for the Richard Antwi 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.”
Phillip Antwi, Richard Antwi’s Brother
The Music Business Management MA course will hold its first Open Day of 2024 on Wednesday, February 28, in an online session from 12pm to 1:30pm. Registrations for the event are currently open at the official website of the Richard Antwi Scholarship.
The deadline for scholarship applications is May 31.
The Richard Antwi Scholarship was established with a vision to create a more inclusive and equitable pathway into the music industry. The scholarship has propelled the careers of young, aspiring music industry executives from diverse backgrounds.
The program has seen six scholars and two associate scholars graduate from the University of Westminster Music Business Management MA course, which serves as a bridge between academic study, research, and the professional realm of the music business.
Its most recent scholar is Jewel John, who was awarded a full scholarship in September. John co-founded Soul & the City, a live music events company aimed at developing and showcasing emerging talent.
“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.”
Alec Boateng, 0207 Def Jam
Other recipients of the scholarship over the past six years are Janelle Mitchell, Shanice Edwards, Idris Green-Holder, Jojo Mukeza and Esther Lenda Bokuma, as well as associate scholars Daniel Beckley and Isatta Sheriff. Edwards now works at Sony Music, while Green-Holder received a scholarship supported by Universal Music UK and is now working at 0207 Def Jam, according to a press release in September.
Industry figures and friends of Richard Antwi, Alec Boateng (Co-President, 0207 Def Jam) and Taponeswa Mavunga (Director of Africa, Sony Music UK), have voiced their support for the scholarship, encouraging individuals to attend the Course Open Day and celebrate the scholarship’s impact.
“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,” said Boateng.
Mavunga added, “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.”
“[Richard Antwi] has inspired another generation of emerging Black executives to confidently build careers and take up space across the music business.”
Esther Lenda Bokuma, Scholar
Richard Antwi’s brother Phillip Antwi said, “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.”
One of the scholars, Esther Lenda Bokuma, 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.”
Music Business Worldwide
