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RSL Fellowships
27 May, 2025
RSL Honours Dr Mykaell Riley at the Launch of Boarders Season 2
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We were thrilled to attend the Season 2 of Boarders screening, a celebration of the amazing work the University of Westminster’s students have put in creating the series’ soundtrack. It was a day full of energy, creativity and community, and we were there for a very special reason. We had the honour of presenting Dr Mykaell Riley with an RSL Awards Fellowship, the highest accolade we offer.
Fellowships are awarded to those who’ve shaped their art form and inspired the next generation of talent, and Mykaell’s impact speaks volumes. A huge thank you to Dr Mykaell Riley for the invitation and for having us at such an empowering and unforgettable event. While we were in the room, surrounded by students, artists, and changemakers, it was impossible not to feel inspired, so keep reading for the full story.
It is with great pleasure that we introduce our newest RSL Honorary Fellow, Dr Mykaell Riley. As director of the Black Music Research Unit at the University of Westminster and Principal Investigator for the groundbreaking Bass Culture Research Project, Mykaell has dedicated his career to unearthing and celebrating the deep-rooted impact of black music in Britain.
“The RSL Awards Fellowship is our highest global award, reserved for pioneers and innovators in music and music education. Dr Mykaell Riley is both. From his breakthrough as a UK reggae artist to shaping the British soul sound of the 80s and 90s, his influence is undeniable. At Westminster, he joined my pioneering team to create the world’s first commercial music degree and continues to build on that legacy through Boarders and groundbreaking research placing Black British music at the centre of UK creativity. We’re thrilled and honoured to welcome Mykaell to the RSL Awards Fellowship.”
– Norton York, Founder and Chairman of RSL Awards
Mykaell’s musical journey began with Steel Pulse, a grammy-winning reggae band that helped bring British reggae into the global spotlight. This artistic journey laid the foundations for his academic mission: to document and celebrate the cultural impact of Black music in Britain.
As lead investigator of the Bass Culture Research Project (the first major academic study of Britain’s Black music history), Mykaell has redefined how Black British music is perceived and preserved. This work continues through his leadership of the Black Music Research Unit at the University of Westminster, where he inspires students to conduct real-world cultural research.
The Boarders
A major outcome of Dr Mykaell Riley’s work is The Boarders Project – a groundbreaking collaboration with the BBC and University of Westminster that enabled students to contribute directly to the soundtrack of the television series Boarders. As Musical Director for the show, Mykaell led the initiative to integrate undergraduate students into the professional music production process, providing them with invaluable real-world experience and bridging the gap between academic study and industry practice.
The project holds special significance as it marks the 30th anniversary of the University of Westminster’s Music BA Honours degree. The resulting original soundtrack, composed entirely by students, features 18 genre-spanning tracks — from afrobeats and R&B to soul, drill, rap, and electronica. The first single, “Gold” by Joy & Jee Melodies, was released on 24 April 2025, with the full album following on 2 May 2025.
Beyond The Bassline
In 2024, Mykaell served as the Principal Investigator for Beyond the Bassline, the British Library’s first major exhibition on the history of Black music in Britain. Exploring over 500 years of Black musical presence, the project aims to expand historical narratives and inspire future generations to continue the cultural lineage. Mykaell emphasised that:
“The music celebrated in this exhibition is more than a collection of sounds. It is a living history, echoing through the centuries. It is an ode to the spirit of community and the radical force of alternative Black British music genres such as jungle, drum and bass, grime and Afrobeats.”
– Dr Mykaell Riley, The British Library
Through this academic leadership, cultural work, and relentless curiosity, Dr Mykaell Riley continues to elevate the voices and stories that matter.
As we look back on the day and the incredible achievements that brought it to life, we’re reminded of the power of education, community, and cultural expression. Dr Mykaell Riley’s vision, from his early days with Steel Pulse to his transformative academic work, continues to empower a new generation of musicians and researchers to shape the sound of tomorrow. The Boarders event was not just a celebration of season 2, but a testament to what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. We’re proud to honour Mykaell as an RSL Fellow and look forward to witnessing the next chapter of this powerful legacy unfold.
