Building an inclusive & equitable pipeline for Future Music Leaders: Jewel John announced as 6th Richard Antwi Scholar

The Richard Antwi Scholarship announced today that Jewel John is its sixth scholar, who will be awarded a full scholarship for a place on University of Westminster’s highly regarded Music Business Management MA course, commencing later this month.

Jewel will also receive an additional new ‘London Living Wage Stipend’, 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. The bursary and stipend totals £22,000, plus mentorship and assistance with work placement that will be aligned with the scholar’s professional focus and aspirations. 

Jewel John is a driven individual who recently earned a BA in Music Business & Arts Management. With a deep affinity for the music industry from a young age, she moved from Amsterdam to London to continue the pursuit of her academic ambitions and gain an in-depth understanding of the industry. Jewel is the co-founder of live music events company ‘Soul & the City’, which is a platform to develop and showcase young creatives and up-and-coming talent, whilst building a community of like-minded individuals and music professionals who share a love for music.

Phillip Antwi said: “Huge congratulations to Jewel John, my family and I welcome her into our growing community of scholars. After a competitive call for applications, we couldn’t be more delighted to award the hugely deserving Jewel as this year’s scholar. The Scholarship allows us to honour and continue Richard’s vision and values by contributing to a more equitable industry for exceptional young talent from underrepresented backgrounds. Major thanks to all our generous funders who enabled the additional ‘London Living Wage’ stipend, which was hugely needed in the current socio-economic climate.  Seven years on since my dear brother Richard’s passing, it is wonderful and humbling to be part of his legacy and make a difference to aspiring young music business leaders through the Scholarship. Richard would have undoubtedly been very proud to see the impact on young careers the Scholarship has had.”

Jewel John said: "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. I am so excited and looking forward to starting this journey! I aspire to create opportunities for my community and young emerging artists. This will be a huge push in that direction."

Now in its 5th year, the Richard Antwi Scholarship continues to build a more inclusive and equitable pipeline into the industry for future leaders. It is an annual award that has established itself as a trusted progression pathway into professional careers for young, aspiring music industry executives from underrepresented communities with the passion, drive and commitment to make a contribution to the music industry. The Music Business Management MA course 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 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 guest lecturer. The first scholar was awarded in 2018  and 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.

2022 saw the scholarship award a full bursary to Janelle Mitchell, a London-based DJ and emerging music executive at Believe. In 2021, to counter the hiatus caused by the pandemic, a scholarship was awarded to two exceptionally talented scholars Shanice Edwards and Idris Green Holder, the former now works at Sony Music and the latter received a scholarship supported by Universal Music UK and is now working at 0207 Def Jam. Previous scholars include inaugural recipient Jojo Mukeza (2018), Esther Bokuma (2019) who has now joined the Scholarship team,as well as associate scholars, Daniel Beckley and Isatta Sheriff.

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Notes to Editors:

·       Image left to right:  Isatta Sheriff (associate scholar), Idris Green-Holder (scholar, 2021), Daniel Beckley (associate scholar), Janelle Mitchell (scholar 2022), Shanice Edwards (scholar 2021), Esther Bokuma (scholar 2019), photographer: Sam Edrisi

·       About The Richard Antwi Scholarship team – The scholarship is run by a team who work on a voluntary basis: Phillip Antwi, Will Bloomfield, Sally Anne Gross (Reader Music Business, Music Business Management MA, University of Westminster), Alex Hannaby (Big Machine Label Group), Paul Heard (musician, composer), Richard Hoare (Hoare Associates) and Esther Bokuma (Richard Antwi Scholar). The team has committed to preserving the legacy of Richard’s kindness, strength and compassion, and the discipline with which he marked his life’s work. 

·       How to apply for the Richard Antwi Scholarship - The scholarship’s aim is to support Black and minority ethnic students living in the UK. All applicants must first hold an offer of a place on the MA Music Business Management course. For more detailed information on the application and selection processes, and full terms, course details are here. Deadline for scholarship applications is 30th June 2023.

·       About Richard Antwi - Richard was a much-loved and widely respected music manager, lawyer and entrepreneur. Always ahead of the curve with sharp instincts, great ears… and a handsome smile! As Carl Fysh succinctly put it ‘Richard was quietly at the centre of everything’. Of Ghanaian heritage, Richard’s back story was written in North West London, progressing from a state comprehensive to study law at Oxford University, before embarking on a successful career which saw him play pivotal roles in the ascendance of many of the artists and executives currently making moves and running major organisations in the UK. The breadth of Richard’s support for others became abundantly clear when he passed so suddenly in 2016. The affection and respect in which he was held by so many people across the music industry and beyond, manifested in a desire to channel this goodwill and honour him in a way that captures and continues his legacy.

·       With thanks to scholarship funders: Universal Music UK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK and Sony Music Publishing UK.

·       Previous scholarship funders have included all three UK major record labels, music publishers, and several of the top independent music companies and music law firms including: XL Records, Beggars Group, Young, Clintons, Hoare Associates and Modest! Management.

For further details contact Independent PR: Indy Vidyalankara atindy@indypendentpr.com/ 07881 822571