A pathway into the industry for diverse future leaders: Janelle Mitchell announced as 5th Richard Antwi Scholar

Wednesday, 5th October 2022

The Richard Antwi Scholarship has announced that, after a highly competitive round of applications, it will continue its support to diverse, future industry leaders with the announcement that Janelle Mitchell is its fifth scholar. She will be awarded a full scholarship for a place this year on University of Westminster’s highly regarded Music Business Management MA course, commencing later this month.

Janelle Mitchell is a London-based creative and emerging music executive, who started off as a DJ in 2017, and now finds herself supporting artists from Kojey Radical to Little Simz, whilst also guest mixing for BBC 1Xtra, KISS FM and Capital XTRA and DJing at festivals, from Stormzy’s Merky Festival in Ibiza to Strawberries & Creem Festival. Janelle also works as an Artist Relations Manager at Believe, continuing to build a reputation in the industry.

The prestigious Richard Antwi Scholarship comprises full course fees; a bursary of £10,400 and career support. 

The Richard Antwi Scholarship was founded in 2016 by friends and family, including many of the sector’s creators and shapers, as a response to the sudden death 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. It is an annual award that seeks to champion next generation talent from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with the aim of continuing Richard’s legacy of supporting and enabling young people with sharp instincts, exceptional talent, drive and ambition to find their career pathway, fulfil their aspirations and increase representation in the industry.

The scholarship has been generously funded by all three UK major record labels, music publishers, and several of the top independent music companies and music law firms as well as individual donors: Sony Music UK, Universal Music UK, Warner Music UK, Sony Music Publishing, XL Records, Beggars Group, Young, Clintons, Hoare Associates and Modest! Management.

The scholarship is awarded in conjunction with the University of Westminster, to applicants who hold an offer of a place on the university’s highly regarded Music Business Management MA course. The 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. 

Previous scholars include inaugural recipient Jojo Mukeza (2018), followed by Esther Bokuma (2019). There was a hiatus in 2020, followed by two scholars in 2021; Shanice Edwards and Idris Green-Holder (in partnership with Universal Music UK). There have also been associate scholars, Daniel Beckley and Isatta Sheriff.

Phillip/Dora Antwi said “Huge congratulations to Janelle Mitchell for becoming the fifth Richard Antwi scholar. It has been over six years since Richard’s passing, and although we continue to miss him greatly, it is truly humbling to see his legacy and vision still out there in the world, embodied by the Richard Antwi Scholars, the scholarship team and all its champions, partners, supporters and funders across the industry. He would be proud. My family and I are so happy to honour and pay tribute to my brother Richard in this way, but also help to create a trusted pathway into the music business and therefore build access and opportunities for our diverse future leaders.”

Janelle Mitchell added “Receiving the Richard Antwi Scholarship feels like such an honour and I’m so excited for what’s to come! As a Black woman in music, the glass ceiling feels even more impenetrable, so being equipped with the Music Business Management MA, doubled up with guidance from the RAS team, will be an absolute game-changer for me. My ambitions are to utilise the MA to gain a senior position in music and shake up the industry from within, focusing on representation and diversity across the board."

Ends.

Press Assets here

Notes to Editors:

• About The Richard Antwi Scholarship team – The scholarship is run by a team who work on a voluntary basis: Dora Addei, Phillip Antwi, Will Bloomfield (Modest! Management), 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 Matt Ross. 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 click here

• 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: Sony Music UK, Universal Music UK, Warner Music UK, Sony Music Publishing, XL Records, Beggars Group, Young, Clintons, Hoare Associates, Modest! Management and Simon Stanley.
  
  For further details contact Independent PR: Indy Vidyalankara at indy@indypendentpr.com/ 07881 822571

RICHARD ANTWI SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCES SECOND AWARD IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC UK: IDRIS GREEN-HOLDER IS SECOND SCHOLAR

Thursday, 16th September 2021 

The Richard Antwi Scholarship, in conjunction with the University of Westminster, announced today that it has partnered with Universal Music UK to make an additional award for 2021, increasing its scope in supporting diverse future industry leaders with a second award that will go to Idris Green-Holder

Following the recent announcement of Shanice Edwards as the 2021 recipient of the Richard Antwi Scholarship, the partnership with Universal Music UK will see Idris Green-Holder receive a second Richard Antwi Scholarship award for 2021, becoming the fourth RAS recipient. 

Universal Music UK will fund the second scholarship award, that will see Idris Green-Holder awarded a full scholarship for a place on University of Westminster’s highly regarded Music Business Management MA course, before joining Universal Music UK Graduate Programme as Richard Antwi Graduate Programme Executive.

Idris Green-Holder was born and raised in Handsworth Birmingham, from Jamaican heritage. He studied Social Work at University Of West London, with an initial dream to work within the mental health sector. For 5 years he has worked within the social care industry, working with vulnerable young people and project management in the housing sector. Two years ago, he started a music management company, managing black music artists from the West Midlands. With a lifelong passion for music and A&R, the career pivot provided the confirmation that he needed to really pursue his purpose with passion.

After a hiatus in 2020, the Richard Antwi Scholarship has seen an increasing number of high quality applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, and the partnership with Universal Music UK allows the scholarship to extend its reach and impact with funding to support an extremely talented and exceptional second scholar. 

Both prestigious awards comprise full course fees; a full bursary of £10,400; mentorship from both the RAS Team and Universal Music UK internal resources; professional executive coaching and support on a career pathway into the industry via work placements aligned with the scholar’s professional focus, skills and aspirations. 

The Richard Antwi Scholarship was founded in 2016 by friends and family, as a response to the sudden death of hugely respected industry lawyer, manager and entrepreneur, Richard Antwi, who had contributed to the Music Business Management MA course on numerous occasions as a guest lecturer.   It is an annual award, which found its first scholar in 2018. The scholarship is now funded by all three UK major record labels, music publishers, and several of the top independent music companies and music law firms: Sony Music UK, Universal Music UK, Warner Music UK, Sony Music Publishing, XL Records, Beggars Group, Young, Clintons, Hoare Associates and Modest! 
The University of Westminster 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.  Previous scholars include inaugural recipient Jojo Mukeza, Esther Bokuma (aka Estee Blu) and Daniel Beckley, all of whom are now placed within the industry. 

Phillip Antwi said “It’s a wonderful milestone for Richard’s scholarship to partner with Universal Music UK to bring through the second scholar this year. With thanks to Universal Music UK and congratulations to Idris, he hugely impressed the team and Universal Music UK with his passion, creativity and ambition. Returning to education will be a vital next step for Idris via the University Of Westminster Music Business MA and Universal Music UK will be a fitting home for this future industry leader as he continues his career path. 

Idris Green-Holder said "I've always been deeply in love with music. I think that has a lot to do with my culture and my upbringing. The way music makes me feel and the places it takes me to. Especially in my adult life, it’s helped to keep me sane and inspired and encouraged my creativity. Having dyslexia, the education system in general has been challenging for me, but I’m excited to return to studying and apply everything I’ve learnt in my career to the Music Business MA. It feels like a new beginning to me. I feel extremely blessed to be a recipient of the Richard Antwi scholarship and be on this journey as part of Universal Music UK’s graduate programme. I didn't meet Richard in this life, but I am now feeling first-hand the impression he has left on the world, and for that I am forever grateful."

Ends.

Notes to Editors

• About The Richard Antwi Scholarship team – The scholarship is an annual award, with the exception of a hiatus year in 2020. It is run by a team who work on a voluntary basis: Dora Addei, Phillip Antwi, Will Bloomfield (Modest!), Sally Anne Gross (Course Director, Music Business Management MA, University Of Westminster), Paul Heard (musician, composer), Richard Hoare (Hoare Associates), Matt Ross (sent.tv). 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.

• 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.

• Universal Music UK is a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world.  Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. UMG is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com.

• With thanks to scholarship funders: Sony Music UK, Universal Music UK, Warner Music UK, Sony Music Publishing, XL Records, Beggars Group, Young, Clintons, Hoare Associates, Modest! and Simon Stanley.

For further details contact Indy Vidyalankara / indy@indypendentpr.com / 07881 822571

RICHARD ANTWI SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCES 2021 SCHOLAR - FUTURE INDUSTRY LEADER SHANICE EDWARDS RECEIVES AWARD

INDUSTRY CHAMPIONS WRETCH 32 AND TAPONESWA MAVUNGA CONGRATULATE THE NEW SCHOLAR.

The Richard Antwi Scholarship, in conjunction with the University of Westminster, is proud toannounce that its 2021 recipient will be Shanice Edwards, who will be awarded a full scholarship for a place on the university’s prestigious Music Business Management MA course. 

Every time the Richard Antwi Scholarship opens, it has received a greater number of high calibre applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. This year, following a hiatus in 2020, after an extremely competitive round of applications, Shanice Edwards has been named the third recipient of the award, which aims to provide and support pathways into the industry and enable each exceptional recipient to fulfil their aspirations in the music industry. 

Shanice Edwards is a Music Business and Arts Management Graduate, who began studying music at Birmingham’s first performing arts academy BOA. Rising from humble beginnings, she is a first-generation graduate from an extremely proud family of Caribbean heritage. She has been driven in developing her understanding of the music industry academically and has gained experience through both independent projects and voluntary work. 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. 

The highly regarded Richard Antwi Scholarship award comprises full course fees; a full bursary of £10,400; mentorship from the RAS Team, and professional executive coaching to support the recipient’s career pathway via work placements and networking aligned with their professional focus, skills and aspirations. 

Commenting on the announcement of the new scholar, Wretch 32 (artist, 0207 Def Jam Creative Director) said: “Congratulations Shanice, 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.”

Taponeswa Mavunga (Director of Africa Sony Music UK) added (draft): “Huge congratulations to Shanice on her achievement! It’s no mean feat, because by all accounts the team received a high quality of applications, so it’s a testament to Shanice’s talent and passion, qualities that Richard’s legacy continues to inspire! I look forward to seeing Shanice progress and I look forward to getting the chance to meet.”

The Richard Antwi Scholarship was founded in 2016 by friends and family, as a response to the sudden death of hugely respected industry lawyer, manager and entrepreneur, Richard Antwi, who had contributed to the Music Business Management MA course on numerous occasions as a guest lecturer.   It is an annual award, which found its first scholar in 2018. The scholarship is now funded by all three UK major record labels, music publishers, and several of the top independent music companies and music law firms: Sony Music UK, Universal Music Group, 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 music business; preparing students to become the next generation of music industry leaders and entrepreneurs.  Previous scholars include inaugural recipient Jojo Mukeza, Esther Bokuma and Daniel Beckley (Associate Scholar), all of whom are now placed within the industry. 

Phillip Antwi said “Huge congratulations to Shanice on her achievement as the new Richard Antwi Scholar. She hugely impressed us with her application and we are so proud to shine the light on her exceptional talent. Richard has left a lasting and important legacy and it feels good to continue the great work to give access and opportunity for another future music industry leader.”

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.”

Notes to Editors:

About The Richard Antwi Scholarship team – The scholarship is an annual award, with the exception of a hiatus year in 2020. It is run by a team who work on a voluntary basis: Dora Addei, Phillip Antwi, Will Bloomfield (Modest!), Sally Anne Gross (Course Director, Music Business Management MA, University Of Westminster), Paul Heard (musician, composer), Richard Hoare (Hoare Associates), Matt Ross (sent.tv). 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. 

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: Sony Music UK, Universal Music Group, Warner Music UK, Sony Music Publishing, XL Records, Beggars Group, Young, Clintons, Hoare Associates, Modest! Management and Simon Stanley.

For further details contact Indy Vidyalankara / indy@indypendentpr.com / 07881 822571

Supporting diversity, opportunity and excellence

Wretch 32 and Taponeswa Mavunga support Richard Antwi Scholarship with a call for aspiring candidates to sign up

University of Westminster, Music Business Management Masters course virtual open days 
24th March 5.30pm-7pm
May 8th 11am-1pm
June 12th at 11am-1pm
Sign-up here

The Richard Antwi Scholarship has announced its return, after a hiatus year in 2020 with a renewed call to black and minority ethnic, aspiring industry leaders with the drive, passion and commitment to make a contribution, to sign-up to the Music Business Management MA course virtual open days on Wed 24th March, Sat May 8th and Sat June 12th for academic year 2021/2022.

The Richard Antwi Scholarship is an annual award, which found its first scholar in 2018. The scholarship is now funded by all three UK major record labels, music publishers, and several of the top independent music companies and music law firms: Sony Music UK, Universal Music Group, Warner Music UK, Sony Music Publishing, XL Records, Beggars Group, Young Turks, Clintons, Hoare Associates and Modest! 

The scholarship emerged from the abundance of goodwill Richard left in his wake amongst many of the sector’s creators and shapers, who experienced his support and counsel directly. 

Wretch 32 (artist, 0207 Def Jam Creative Director) and Taponeswa Mavunga (Director of Africa Sony Music UK) were close to Richard during his life and support the work of the scholarship, which seeks to continue Richard’s legacy of supporting young people with sharp instincts, exceptional talent, drive and ambition, to find their pathway and increase representation at every career stage in the industry.

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.”

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” 

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.”

Inaugural scholar 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.”