Huw Stephens, the Cardiff-born BBC Radio 1 DJ and founder of the Swn Festival, has received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of The Open University for ‘Exceptional contribution to education and culture’.
Huw was one of 300 people to receive degrees at the ceremony on Saturday at St David’s Hall, central Cardiff. Professor Trevor Herbert of The OU delivered the citation on behalf of the university, and in presenting the award of Doctor of the University, he said:
“Huw Stephens has quickly emerged as one of the world’s most intelligent authorities on British pop music – and certainly its most articulate advocate. The persistent theme in his work is discovery. Discovery of new talent through studious listening and an open-minded approach to the mass of creative outputs he encounters.
“His work shows a commitment to Welsh culture and the place that popular music has in making the very idea of Welsh culture real in the contemporary world, especially to the young. He is a master in his field.”
Huw only returned to the UK on Friday, having spent a week in Kenya with the Action Aid UK charity seeing some of their work. Accepting his award, and speaking to an audience of over a thousand guests at St David’s Hall, and many more in central Cardiff watching on the local BBC Big Screen, Huw joked that he had to explain to his excited nieces and nephews that he was becoming “Dr Huw not Dr Who”!
In his speech, Huw went on to say:
“It is with great pleasure that I accept this honorary degree from the Open University.
“I became BBC Radio 1’s youngest ever DJ when I was 17, much to the bewilderment of my Professor father and my mother, Mam a Dad who are here today, and so I never got the chance to study for a degree as you here today have. And because of that, as you can imagine, I am doubly grateful for this great honour.
“I consider myself lucky in my job, in that I get to hear a lot of great new music from Wales, and the rest of the world, on a daily basis. Being a fan and keen promoter of emerging talent, I know how much hard work and commitment go into creating something, whether that be a song or a gig.
“I firmly believe that music is not only a form of entertainment, but a most vital part of our contemporary culture.
“I have seen first hand how music can change lives; it can affect emotions, enhance creativity, and promote understanding of various cultures. It can also provide opportunities that can take people on the most remarkable journeys, both geographical and more importantly, personal. Music has done this for me, and it’s my absolute pleasure to be able to recognise, nurture and celebrate outstanding talent in others.
“Today is a proud and humbling one for me. Being here in my home city of Cardiff with you who have worked so hard to gain your degrees is an absolute pleasure and honour. I offer all graduates my most heartfelt congratulations.”
