Stormzy Awarded Honorary Fellowship By University of Cambridge For Philanthropy
Stormzy has just added another major accolade to his name after being awarded an honorary fellowship at Jesus College, Cambridge. The university awarded the 32-year-old rapper this title in recognition of his huge cultural influence and his work supporting educational access for Black British students.
Best known for hits like Shut Up and for making history as the first Black British solo artist to headline Glastonbury in 2019, Stormzy—real name Michael Omari Owuo Jr—has also built a reputation as a powerful advocate for social change.
The honorary fellowship doesn't come with teaching responsibilities, but it's a symbolic nod to individuals who’ve made outstanding contributions to their field. And Stormzy's track record speaks for itself.
In 2018, he launched the Stormzy Scholarship at the University of Cambridge to fund tuition and living costs for two Black British students each year. That number grew after HSBC UK partnered with the initiative, later pledging to support 30 new scholarships over three years. So far, 68 students have received support from the programme, with the 2025 class expected to be the biggest group to graduate yet.
Earlier this year, Stormzy was also awarded an honorary Doctorate in Law from Cambridge for the "transformative" impact of his scholarship programme, which is backed by his #Merky Foundation.
Cambridge has credited what’s been called the “Stormzy effect” for helping drive a rise in applications from Black students.
Sonita Alleyne OBE, Master of Jesus College, spoke highly of Stormzy's impact, saying: "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." She added, "In joining the College, we believe he will inspire our current and future students and enrich our community."
From rap stardom to reshaping educational opportunities, Stormzy's influence continues to go far beyond music—and now, it’s officially recognised at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
