Open call: Richard Antwi Scholarship in the UK

The scholarship was created in 2016 following the passing of industry lawyer and entrepreneur Richard Antwi, who had contributed to the Music Business Management MA course on numerous occasions as a guest lecturer. It is awarded annually in conjunction with the University of Westminster, comprising a bursary for the full course fees, plus a ‘London Living Wage Stipend’ totalling £22 000 (about $27 000), through funding from Universal Music UK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK. Additionally, it will include mentorship and assistance with a work placement that will be aligned with the scholar’s professional focus and aspirations.

“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,” a statement reads. “Championing inclusion, promoting excellence and supercharging 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.”

The scholarship’s industry champions include 0207 Def Jam co-president Alec Boateng and Sony Music UK director of Africa Taponeswa Mavunga.

“It’s a really proud moment to see how far Richard’s scholarship has come over the six years since it was conceived,” Boateng said. “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 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 scholars over the years, including Shanice Edwards, who is already making her mark at Since ‘93/Sony Music UK – a 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.”

Last year, the scholarship was awarded to live music events company Soul & the City co-founder Jewel John, who noted that “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.”

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 the University of Westminster, before then 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 2024, and registrations are open now.

The deadline for applications is 31 May, and interested persons may complete an online application form here.