Professor Mykaell Riley, Director of the Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) and Lead Researcher for the Bass Culture project at the University of Westminster, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to research and education around Black British Music.
A founding member of the Grammy‑winning reggae band Steel Pulse, Professor Riley has spent over four decades shaping the sound, study and understanding of Black British music. His career spans chart‑topping production, groundbreaking cultural research and transformative leadership in higher education. He continues to bridge music, academia and cultural policy, shaping how Black British music is understood, valued and taught.
Riley is the first Professor of Black British music in the UK. As Director of the BMRU at Westminster, Professor Riley has led landmark research projects that have reshaped national conversations about Black British cultural history. In 2024, he curated the Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music at the British Library - the first major exhibition of its kind, attracting national and international attention. Most recently, Professor Riley contributed to the UK Music Black Music Means Business Report. He is currently Principal Investigator on the Arts and Humanities Research Council-funded EQUALIZE project, in collaboration with music charity Young Sounds, to research access to electronic and Black music in schools, with a focus on influencing government policy to diversify music curriculums across the country.
Alongside his research leadership, Professor Riley has played a central role in developing one of the UK’s most innovative music degree programmes at the University which recently marked the 30th anniversary of its Music BA Honours course - the only degree in the country offering real‑time learning, professional work placements and on‑screen credits on a major TV drama. Under Professor Riley’s musical direction, Westminster students composed and produced the entire original soundtrack for three series of the BBC’s hit comedy‑drama BOARDERS.
Professor Riley also created Britain’s first Black pop string section, the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra and his work as a writer and producer includes UK No. 1 hits for Mark Morrison, East 17 and Soul II Soul.
Speaking about the honour, Professor Mykaell Riley said: “From Steel Pulse to the Palace, who would have thought the Prince’s Trust sponsorship of the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra in the early 90s, followed by the Prince’s Trust event at our University’s Harrow Campus in 2004 with the then Prince Charles attending, alongside Jay‑Z, Russell Simmons and Reverend Run, meant I was on this trajectory before even realising it.”
Dr Lucy Harrison, Assistant Head of the School of Arts at the University of Westminster, said: “Professor Riley’s contribution to British music and to the study of Black British cultural history is unparalleled. His leadership, research and mentorship have shaped generations of artists, scholars and industry professionals. We’re so thrilled for Mykaell and the recognition that he has received through this honour. The work of the BMRU, through his strategic leadership, has been game changing! We’re so pleased that Mykaell has received this recognition and that our students continue to learn from his expertise!”
Professor Riley’s work directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Music courses at the University of Westminster.
Related articles
