In addition to the scholarship, The Ivors Academy’s Membership Manager Tareic Alphonse will receive a ‘London Living Wage Stipend’ funded by Universal Music UK, Universal Publishing UK, Sony Music UK, and Sony Music Publishing UK. This stipend will help cover the increased cost of living and studying in London.
Tareic Alphonse said “Receiving the Richard Antwi Scholarship is an amazing honour, especially as it is the very final award of the scholarship. I’m incredibly excited by the Music Business Management MA course, as well as the access to mentorship and opportunities to develop new relationships provided through the scholarship. Being born in Saint Lucia, growing up in Hackney and being part of The Ivors Academy for the last 5 years has shown me the value of a supportive community and having access to opportunity. I plan to use the skills and network I gain to help create a fairer, more inclusive music industry with more opportunities for all. Something I believe Richard Antwi himself would give his blessing to. Receiving this scholarship will be the next big step towards that.”
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said, “Congratulations to Tareic on being named the seventh and final Richard Antwi Scholar. Tareic’s dedication, passion, and commitment to fostering positive change in the music industry are clear. We will certainly miss him at The Ivors Academy during his sabbatical, but we know this scholarship will propel him toward creating a more inclusive and equitable future for the industry. I’m confident he’ll make the most of this incredible opportunity to further Richard’s legacy. We are proud to have him as part of our community and look forward to supporting him as he embarks on this exciting new chapter.”
Phillip Antwi said: “I would like to give my heartfelt congratulations to Tareic Alphonse as the final Richard Antwi Scholar. Together with my family, we welcome him into our community of scholars. We couldn’t be happier for Tareic, a hugely deserving individual who strives for and embodies Richard’s vision and values of contributing to a more equitable industry for those from underrepresented backgrounds. I want to give huge thanks also to the scholarship team past and present, who have worked tirelessly over the 6 years the scholarship has existed to gain support and funding across the industry for the scholarship, to raise awareness and tell the story of our dear Richard. Thank you also to our generous funders. Seven years on since my dear brother Richard’s passing, we are humbly grateful and happy to see and be part of his legacy. Richard made a difference to aspiring young music business leaders through the Scholarship and his impact will be felt long after his passing. Richard would have been so very proud.”
The Richard Antwi Scholarship is dedicated to building a more inclusive and equitable pipeline for future industry leaders. As an annual award, it has established itself as a trusted progression pathway into professional careers for young, aspiring music executives from underrepresented communities. Championing inclusion, promoting excellence, and accelerating fledgling careers, the scholarship has supported six scholars and two associate scholars through the prestigious University of Westminster Music Business Management MA course. This course serves as a bridge between academic study and the professional world of music business, preparing students to become the next generation of music industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
