The scholarship’s aim is to support Black and minority ethnic students living in the UK and is awarded in conjunction with London’s University of Westminster, to applicants who hold an offer of a place on the university’s Music Business Management MA course.
The scholarship was founded in 2016 by friends and family of Richard Antwi, as a response to the sudden death of the widely respected British music industry lawyer, manager and entrepreneur, who had contributed to the Music Business Management MA course on numerous occasions as a guest lecturer.
The award comprises full course fees; a bursary of £10,200, mentorship and assistance with work placement aligned with the scholar’s professional focus and aspirations.
Previous scholars include inaugural recipient Jojo Mukeza, Esther Bokuma (aka Estee Blu) and Daniel Beckley, who are all now placed within the industry.
The scholarship renews its call to black and minority ethnic, aspiring industry leaders to sign up to the Music Business Management MA course virtual open days on Wednesday March 24 , Saturday May 8 and Saturday June 12 for academic year 2021/2022, via the newly created website https://www.richardantwi.org/.
Wretch 32 (artist, 0207 Def Jam Creative Director) and Taponeswa Mavunga (Director of Africa Sony Music UK) were close to Antwi during his life and support the work of the scholarship.
“It’s an honour to be a part of the scholarship and still be an anchor to the captain of the ship Richard Antwi.”
Wretch 32
Wretch 32 said: “My brother Rich always had time for everyone, he taught me the true values of staying true to your roots. Striving for excellence, whilst giving back.
“Legacy was always at the forefront of his genius of a mind. Although my brother’s left me in the physical, he has been and will always be, by my side in spirit.
“It’s an honour to be a part of the scholarship and still be an anchor to the captain of the ship Richard Antwi.”
“This scholarship has been a fitting tribute to a man who strived for excellence in all he did and pushed others to achieve the same and I know he would be at the forefront championing the next generation of cultural leaders.”
Taponeswa Mavunga, Sony Music UK
Taponeswa Mavunga said: “I’m so blessed to have had a friendship with Richard that spanned over 20 years.
“He was extremely wise and also generous with an incredible eye for spotting talent within people.
“This scholarship has been a fitting tribute to a man who strived for excellence in all he did and pushed others to achieve the same and I know he would be at the forefront championing the next generation of cultural leaders.”
“There is a real sense of achievement in seeing what the past scholars have gone on to do, and we’re looking forward to seeing what great things new scholars will achieve.”
Phillip Antwi
Phillip Antwi said: “We’re really excited about the reopening of applications, which not only lifts our spirits, but offers much needed opportunity to talented individuals in the current climate.
“There is a real sense of achievement in seeing what the past scholars have gone on to do, and we’re looking forward to seeing what great things new scholars will achieve.
“My brother, Richard, was passionate about helping others reach their potential and the Richard Antwi Scholarship is an embodiment of his much-used phrase ‘how can I help?’.
“We hope to see the scholarship grow and continue to honour his legacy in this way.”
“I never got to meet Richard personally, but I am receiving the seeds that he sowed in the industry, culture and spaces that I move in as a young black man and for that I’m so grateful.”
Jojo Mukeza
Jojo Mukeza added: “The Richard Antwi Scholarship made a colossal difference and played a huge part in the opportunities that I have in front of me today.
“I have changed my narrative and it’s now possible to inspire others in my community. Where I am now at 207 Def Jam, one of the best labels in the business that understands the unique experience I bring, I am able to fulfil my career and creative ambitions.
“I never got to meet Richard personally, but I am receiving the seeds that he sowed in the industry, culture and spaces that I move in as a young black man and for that I’m so grateful.”Music Business Worldwide
