Loyle Carner has received an honorary degree from the University Of The Arts London (UAL).
The South London artist earned the Honorary Doctor title at an awards ceremony in the capital last Friday (July 19).
Sharing a series of images from the event on social media, Carner wrote: “10 years ago, in heavy times I dropped out of uni after my first year and promised my mum if I hadn’t made us any money after 6 months I’d try and go back. But I never did.
“10 years later, I’m proud to say I’ve been awarded an honorary doctorate from @unioftheartslondon, and my kids were in the room to watch it happen. So, if you know me. feel free to change my name in your phone…”
You can see that post below.
Loyle Carner
Known for his introspective sound and has released three critically acclaimed albums. "Yesterday’s Gone" (2017) and "hugo" (2020) were Mercury Prize nominees. He also runs Chilli Con Carner, cookery workshops for young people with ADHD.
Felix AAA pic.twitter.com/RxpJixstcM
— University of the Arts London (@UAL) July 19, 2024
In a new bio, the official UAL website noted: “After graduating from secondary education, Loyle secured a scholarship for the Brit School – whose alumnae include Adele and Amy Winehouse – and started an acting degree.
“However, halfway through following the untimely death of his stepfather, he shifted his focus to music.”
As well as praising Carner’s achievements in music – including his Mercury Prize nominations for his albums ‘Yesterday’s Gone’ (2017) and ‘Hugo’ (2022) – the university highlighted the rapper’s support for young people with ADHD and dyslexia.
“An example of this being Chilli Con Carner, a series of cookery workshops for young people with ADHD,” it read.
Last week also saw Kojey Radical and Chicken Shop Date star Amelia Dimoldenberg receive honorary degrees from the University Of The Arts London. Elsewhere, Damon Albarn picked up an honorary degree from the University Of Exeter.
In 2022, Florence Welch was awarded an honorary fellowship from UAL. She was a student at the university before dropping out to pursue a music career with Florence + The Machine.
Meanwhile, Carner is due to headline All Points East in London’s Victoria Park next month. He’ll be supported by the likes of Nas, André 3000, Ezra Collective and Lianne La Havas. You can find any remaining tickets here.
He’ll also take to the stage at Forwards Festival 2024 in Bristol on August 31. The artist recently wrapped up a run of UK and Ireland headline shows.
Speaking to NME last year, Loyle Carner opened up about the importance of using his live gigs to speak out against toxic masculinity, and recalled how he had grown since his debut album.
“It’s magic, man,” he began, explaining what it felt like to generate such a positive response from his sets. “I feel like the conversations I had after the show, those little bits mean the most. Like when kids go, ‘Thank you’.”
You can revisit NME‘s video interview with Loyle Carner above.
The post Loyle Carner receives honorary degree from University Of The Arts London appeared first on NME.
