Latest news with #MichaelOmariOwuoJr
Euronews
21-03-2025
- Business
- Euronews
British rapper Stormzy to receive honorary degree from the university of Cambridge
ADVERTISEMENT British rapper Stormzy will be awarded an honorary degree from the prestigious University of Cambridge , where he has set up a scholarship programme for Black students. The 31-year-old artist, whose real name is Michael Omari Owuo Jr, 'will receive a Doctorate in Law in recognition of his philanthropic work and impact in a number of fields, including education, music, sport and literature', the university announced on its website. In 2018, the rapper launched the Stormzy Scholarship for Black UK Students to cover tuition fees and maintenance costs for two students per year. The project was extended in 2021 through a partnership with HSBC and has supported 55 students overall. 'The 'Stormzy effect' has been credited with being a contributor to an increase in applications to Cambridge from Black students across the UK,' Cambridge said. Stormzy had previously received an honorary doctorate from the University of Exeter in 2022 for its "outstanding achievement in the field of higher education, philanthropy and widening participation." The 4-time Brit Awards winner has been renowned for his political activism and charity work over the course of his career. His #MERKY foundation, founded in 2019, has pledged '£10 million over 10 years, to organisations, charities & movements that are committed to fighting for racial equality , justice reform and black empowerment within the UK.' Cambridge's recognition comes amid troubled times for Stormzy. In January, he was banned from driving for nine months for using his phone behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce. Less than two months later, he faced criticism over his advertising partnership with McDonald's, due to the company's ties to Israel. The fast-food chain, which owns franchises in the country, is the target of a global boycott from supporters of Palestine. In the aftermath of 7 October 2023, Stormzy had expressed support for the Palestinian cause on Instagram . 'Free Palestine… if there is ever a clear injustice in the world, no matter how big or small 100 times out of 100 I will be on the side of the oppressed', he wrote. The statement has since been removed from his account. Stormzy has denied that he 'compromised beliefs for commercial gain.' 'I didn't archive the post where I came out in support of Palestine for any reason outside of me archiving loads of [Instagram] posts last year,' he said in response to the backlash. 'In that post, I spoke about #FreePalestine, oppression and injustice and my stance on this has not changed.' Cambridge will grant honorary degrees to eight nominees, including composer John Rutter, philosopher and activist Angela Davis, and rowing Olympic champion Katherine Grainger. The ceremony will take place on 25 June 2025.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
British rapper Stormzy to receive honorary degree from the university of Cambridge
British rapper Stormzy will be awarded an honorary degree from the prestigious University of Cambridge, where he has set up a scholarship programme for Black students. The 31-year-old artist, whose real name is Michael Omari Owuo Jr, 'will receive a Doctorate in Law in recognition of his philanthropic work and impact in a number of fields, including education, music, sport and literature', the university announced on its website. In 2018, the rapper launched the Stormzy Scholarship for Black UK Students to cover tuition fees and maintenance costs for two students per year. The project was extended in 2021 through a partnership with HSBC and has supported 55 students overall. 'The 'Stormzy effect' has been credited with being a contributor to an increase in applications to Cambridge from Black students across the UK,' Cambridge said. Stormzy had previously received an honorary doctorate from the University of Exeter in 2022 for its "outstanding achievement in the field of higher education, philanthropy and widening participation." The 4-time Brit Awards winner has been renowned for his political activism and charity work over the course of his career. His #MERKY foundation, founded in 2019, has pledged '£10 million over 10 years, to organisations, charities & movements that are committed to fighting for racial equality, justice reform and black empowerment within the UK.' Cambridge's recognition comes amid troubled times for Stormzy. In January, he was banned from driving for nine months for using his phone behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce. Less than two months later, he faced criticism over his advertising partnership with McDonald's, due to the company's ties to Israel. The fast-food chain, which owns franchises in the country, is the target of a global boycott from supporters of Palestine. In the aftermath of 7 October 2023, Stormzy had expressed support for the Palestinian cause on Instagram. 'Free Palestine… if there is ever a clear injustice in the world, no matter how big or small 100 times out of 100 I will be on the side of the oppressed', he wrote. The statement has since been removed from his account. Stormzy has denied that he 'compromised beliefs for commercial gain.' 'I didn't archive the post where I came out in support of Palestine for any reason outside of me archiving loads of [Instagram] posts last year,' he said in response to the backlash. 'In that post, I spoke about #FreePalestine, oppression and injustice and my stance on this has not changed.' Cambridge will grant honorary degrees to eight nominees, including composer John Rutter, philosopher and activist Angela Davis, and rowing Olympic champion Katherine Grainger. The ceremony will take place on 25 June 2025.
Euronews
20-03-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Stormzy to receive honorary degree from Cambridge
British rapper Stormzy will be awarded an honorary degree from the prestigious University of Cambridge, where he has set up a scholarship programme for Black students. The 31-year-old artist, whose real name is Michael Omari Owuo Jr, 'will receive a Doctorate in Law in recognition of his philanthropic work and impact in a number of fields, including education, music, sport and literature', the university announced on its website. In 2018, the rapper launched the Stormzy Scholarship for Black UK Students to cover tuition fees and maintenance costs for two students per year. The project was extended in 2021 through a partnership with HSBC and has supported 55 students overall. 'The 'Stormzy effect' has been credited with being a contributor to an increase in applications to Cambridge from Black students across the UK,' Cambridge said. Stormzy had previously received an honorary doctorate from the University of Exeter in 2022 for its "outstanding achievement in the field of higher education, philanthropy and widening participation." The 4-time Brit Awards winner has been renowned for his political activism and charity work over the course of his career. His #MERKY foundation, founded in 2019, has pledged '£10 million over 10 years, to organisations, charities & movements that are committed to fighting for racial equality, justice reform and black empowerment within the UK.' Cambridge's recognition comes amid troubled times for Stormzy. In January, he was banned from driving for nine months for using his phone behind the wheel of his Rolls-Royce. Less than two months later, he faced criticism over his advertising partnership with McDonald's, due to the company's ties to Israel. The fast-food chain, which owns franchises in the country, is the target of a global boycott from supporters of Palestine. In the aftermath of 7 October 2023, Stormzy had expressed support for the Palestinian cause on Instagram. 'Free Palestine… if there is ever a clear injustice in the world, no matter how big or small 100 times out of 100 I will be on the side of the oppressed', he wrote. The statement has since been removed from his account. Stormzy has denied that he 'compromised beliefs for commercial gain.' 'I didn't archive the post where I came out in support of Palestine for any reason outside of me archiving loads of [Instagram] posts last year,' he said in response to the backlash. 'In that post, I spoke about #FreePalestine, oppression and injustice and my stance on this has not changed.' Cambridge will grant honorary degrees to eight nominees, including composer John Rutter, philosopher and activist Angela Davis, and rowing Olympic champion Katherine Grainger. The ceremony will take place on 25 June 2025. The French government is preparing to send some literature to every household this summer. A new tome for the annual 'A book for the holidays' campaign? How delightful. Well, not so wholesome or cheery as it turns out, as the literature in question is a twenty-page survival manual which details the steps to take in the event of an armed conflict or any crisis. Modelled on a similar Norwegian booklet and the Swedish model, 'Om krisen eller kriget kommer' ('In case of crisis or war'), which was distributed to households in 2018, the booklet will detail "all the good gestures to adopt in the event of an imminent threat in France', a government source told Europe 1. These threats include armed conflict, as well as natural disasters such as flooding or a new health epidemic. The publication is reportedly divided into three distinct parts: 'Protecting yourself' - a section intended to raise solidarity when it comes to protecting oneself and neighbours. This first part also lists the survival kit to have at home in the event of a serious crisis. The kit includes at least six litres of bottled water, ten canned goods, batteries and a flashlight in case of a power cut. 'What to do in the event of an alert' - a part detailing the actions one must take in the event of an imminent threat. This chapter lists emergency numbers, radio frequencies, as well as tips like closing all doors in the event of a nuclear accident. 'Get involved' - this final section explains how to sign up to a reserve force, whether military or communal. "This document aims to ensure the resilience of populations in the face of all types of crises, whether natural, technological, cyber, or security-related,' according to a statement from the government. 'This draft document, whose conditions for distribution to the French public have not yet been defined, is currently being approved by the Prime Minister.' The title also has not been defined, and sources say that the two main options are: 'French Resilience" or "All Resilient'. As you can imagine, the announcement of the distribution of a survival manual has sparked criticism online, with many calling it a waste of money, some likening it to Cold War brochures, and others writing: "Stop creating a climate of fear and anxiety." Indeed, while hardly surprising in the wake of President Emmanuel Macron's March 5 speech, in which he declared that the threat of armed conflict with Russia concerned all European countries and called for strengthening the continent's defenses, a survival booklet doesn't exactly smack of reassurance. However, as indicated by the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security (SGDSN), this guide is an integral part of the national resilience strategy, initiated after the Covid-19 pandemic - and therefore predates the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Still, until the pamphlet arrives in letterboxes, let's just hope the advice goes beyond 'close your doors in case of a nuclear blast'. Anxiety-inducing is one thing, but thinking that closed doors are going to prevent... well, anything... or that people would rush to crack open a window in order to take in as much of the nuclear mushroom as possible is insulting. Hell of a sunrise, though. Also, no mention of what to do in case of a zombie apocalypse... Part 4, maybe?
Middle East Eye
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Middle East Eye
Stormzy faces backlash over 'hypocritical' McDonald's ad amid Gaza boycott
Acclaimed British rapper Stormzy is under fire for starring in a McDonald's advertisement while the fast food giant faces a widespread boycott among pro-Palestinian advocates. The controversy escalated on Wednesday after fans noticed he appeared to have deleted an older Instagram post expressing solidarity with Palestine. The recent advert features Stormzy, whose real name is Michael Omari Owuo Jr, walking into a McDonald's and ordering his meal, which inspires customers nationwide - from families to students - to order as well. As they "order like Stormzy", his voice - distinguished by his thick south London accent - is heard coming from their mouths. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters "Stormzy deleting his pro Palestine posts & then doing ads for McDonalds is a choice. Mate, you really didn't need that cheque." Thought Stormzy was for the people but how wrong I was he sold out for 9 nuggets and ice cream — Carlito Brigante. (@AmarAkaPabz) February 13, 2025 Social media users criticised what they saw as financial opportunism, with one user stating Another said : "Why's @stormzy doing all these adverts for ... the same company who've been feeding Israeli soldiers happy meals whilst they've been grinning and gloating eating midst massacring Palestinians? Real sellout behaviour @stormzy Don't say 'Free Palestine' then work for them!" McDonald's became a target of a grassroots boycott in 2023 after its Israeli franchise Alonyal distributed thousands of free meals to the Israeli military amid its assault on Gaza. In January 2024, the official Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement called for "escalating global boycott of McDonald's until it ends ties with Israeli franchisee for supporting genocide and Malaysian franchisee for bullying solidarity activists". While the US burger giant announced in April that it would buy back its restaurants from its Israeli franchisee amid a boycott-fuelled drop in sales, many people have stated they would maintain their boycott due to ethical considerations. s:// 'Chose money over morals' Several social media users said they were disappointed that the artist appeared to walk back on his previous statements of solidarity with Palestinians. " can't lie, it's deleting the post that says Free Palestine that makes the McDonalds deal far worse," said one user. "You can argue the deal but deleting the very smallest bit of advocacy you did is nasty work. Stormzy did not need to do that."http In October 2023, a few weeks after the Hamas-led attack on Israel and the start of Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip, Stormzy shared "Free Palestine", joining other artists and activists calling for an end to violence. In his caption he added: "In the future, if there is ever a clear injustice in the world, no matter how big or small, 100 times out of 100 I will be on the side of the oppressed. Unequivocally. As I always have been. Social media is a brilliant way to stand up for what is right, but there are also a whole load of other ways to do this." However, as his McDonald's campaign launched, fans were quick to notice that the post had disappeared. It is not clear when exactly the post was removed, but the timing of the ad fueled accusations of hypocrisy. Stormzy said he'd stand with the oppressed '100 times out of 100' but now he's teaming up with McGenocide? The check must've been serious. It's giving money over morals. Beyond disappointed. — A P R Y L (@_____apryl) February 12, 2025 Many accused Stormzy of contradicting his activism with his commercial choices. One user sarcastically claimed he had supported Palestine "until McDonald's put a (presumed) six-figure collab deal in front of you. YIKES!" Stormzy is completely aware of what he's doing. He knows about the genocide in Palestine. He just chose money > principle. His last 2 posts on Instagram are him on the cover of Men's Health and the next is him advertising McDonalds? Bro the meal alone is shit. 9 nuggets??? — humza (@instvnza_) February 12, 2025 The rapper's involvement also raised concerns that his influence could undermine the boycott, particularly among young, impressionable fans. "Palestinians and activists have been working hard to tell people to boycott McDonald's, then Stormzy comes along to boost their PR, leading teenagers to queue for McDonald's. They're using him to make up for their profit loss over the past year," one user said. Scumbag @stormzy, for a bit of money that you don't even need. You deleted this post to do a McDonalds commercial 🐀 #FreePalestine — Deen (@Deens786) February 12, 2025 One widely shared post quoted his post about supporting the oppressed "100 times out of 100", then added: "But when the same God you rap about tests your soul as kids are shot in the head in your Holy Land, you sell out for 9 nuggets, fries, and a Sprite." However, not all reactions were critical. Some defended the rapper, writing that many critics may unknowingly support corporations linked to McDonald's through their investments. Other fans noted that despite their disappointment, Stormzy's wider contributions should not be ignored, stating: "Stormzy does way too much for his community for me to say anything negative about him. Deleting the Palestine post was bad though." Middle East Eye reached out to Stormzy for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
