UK: Shanice Edwards wins Richard Antwi Scholarship

The annual scholarship was founded in memory of British-Ghanaian music manager, lawyer and entrepreneur Richard Antwi. It covers the full course fees, a bursary of £10 400 ($14 300), mentorship from the RAS Team, and professional executive coaching to support the recipient’s career via work placements and networking aligned with their professional focus, skills and aspirations.

Shanice Edwards, who is of Caribbean heritage, becomes the third recipient of the award after Jojo Mukeza and Esther Bokuma.

“Rising from humble beginnings, she has been driven in developing her understanding of the music industry academically and has gained experience through both independent projects and voluntary work,” a press statement reads. “Shanice is passionate about new artists, music creation and giving opportunities to talent and is focused on a career in the A&R field of the music industry.”

Shanice Edwards said: “I feel so blessed and grateful to have been awarded the Richard Antwi Scholarship, the access to support I will have and the chance to connect with Richard’s close friends and family is such an amazing opportunity. To already have the organisation believe in me feels so powerful and I can’t wait to get started! I never met Richard, but I can feel how much he meant to so many, and I am already so thankful to him.”

“Congratulations Shanice,” 0207 Def Jam creative director Wretch 32 said: “I hope you’re happy, geared up and ready to embark on this journey, and of course I’m sure we’re gonna cross paths in the future. You’re in great hands, the hands that make light work. Richard would be proud.”

The scholarship was founded by friends and family as a response to the sudden death of Antwi in 2016. The lecturer had contributed immensely to the Music Business Management MA course on numerous occasions. It is now funded by various music companies in the UK including Sony Music UK, Universal Music UK, Warner Music UK, Sony Music Publishing, XL Records, Beggars Group, Young, Clintons, Hoare Associates and Modest! Management.

The University of Westminster Music Business Management MA course acts as a bridge between academic study, research, and the professional world of the music business; preparing students to become the next generation of music industry leaders and entrepreneurs.