Stormzy Elected Honorary Fellow of Jesus College Cambridge
- Editor OGN Daily
- 34 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The rapper and singer-songwriter, 32, was awarded the honour because of his enormous cultural impact and philanthropic work.
Stormzy, whose real name is Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, was nominated in recognition of his cultural impact and philanthropic work, having launched the university’s Stormzy Scholarship in 2018. The Honorary Fellowship is a symbolic title awarded to someone who has made a significant contribution to a particular field, without requiring them to take on teaching or research duties, says the BBC.
It’s actually the second accolade Stormzy has received from Cambridge University. Earlier this year, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Law for the scholarship programme, which funds Black UK students to study at the prestigious university. To date, 68 students have been supported by the scholarship programme, backed by his foundation, and 2025 will be the largest group so far, according to Cambridge.
The 'Stormzy effect' was credited with being a contributor to an increase in applications to Cambridge from Black students across the UK.
Sonita Alleyne, the master of Jesus College, said: “Stormzy is an amazing storyteller, creative mind and champion for social change. His cultural impact is huge. We share many values, including supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds to reach their potential, tackling inequalities and using the arts as a force for good. In joining the college, we believe he will inspire our current and future students and enrich our community.”
One of four siblings brought up in south London by his Ghanaian mother, a devout Christian, Stormzy shot to fame a decade ago after the success of his freestyle Shut Up. He has reached the top of album and single charts repeatedly since, while achieving renown away from music for using his influence to champion social justice.
In 2020, he founded the #Merky Foundation, pledging £10m over 10 years to support organisations for racial equality and justice reform.
