Stormzy made a guest appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show and discussed his music hiatus and the release of his new album. He revealed that he took time off to fully dedicate himself to the creative process and ensure the music remained pure, without being influenced by commercial pressures. Stormzy also mentioned trimming his hair as a way to signal the completion of his album.
During the show, Stormzy introduced Chelsea and Jude, two young individuals involved in his new publishing venture called #MurkyBooks. Chelsea and Jude are part of the team behind the release of “Wise Up: The Story of Stormzy,” the first book under the Murky Books imprint. Stormzy shared his initial skepticism about releasing a book solely about himself but appreciated the way they framed it as a story about his journey so far, giving credit to his team and everyone who has supported him.
The conversation took an intriguing turn when it was revealed that Stormzy was offered the chance to go to Cambridge University but decided not to take it. He jokingly mentioned that the teacher who kicked him out of college might have influenced his decision. Stormzy playfully shared the reason for his dismissal, involving a prank where he trapped another student under a pile of chairs. Although it sounds outrageous, Stormzy emphasized that it wasn’t a serious offense.
Sitting beside Stormzy was Chelsea, a Cambridge graduate, who discussed her upcoming book titled “Taking Up Space.” Her book sheds light on her experience as the only black female student studying history among a cohort of around 200 people. Chelsea elaborated on the challenges faced by black students in institutions that often fail to value their identities and rights. Her book aims to showcase the incredible work done by students fighting for their rights and creating change.
The conversation transitioned to Stormzy‘s own journey, from growing up in Chingford to attending Cambridge University. Stormzy reflected on the stark differences he encountered, feeling like he had entered a whole new world amidst grand buildings and portraits. He humorously shared his initial confusion when faced with an array of cutlery during his first dinner, illustrating the drastic shift from his previous experiences.
Wrapping up the segment, Stormzy mentioned his scholarship program, the “Sloan-C Scholarship.” In partnership with Cambridge University, Stormzy‘s scholarship will financially support two young black students every year, allowing them to attend the prestigious institution without financial burdens. Stormzy believes in being the change he wants to see and recognizes the importance of creating opportunities and representation for underrepresented communities.
Stormzy‘s appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show was not just about his music but also highlighted his commitment to creating new academic routes through the Stormzy Scholarship program. His passion for empowering others and giving back to his community continues to inspire.
