Professor Mykaell Riley awarded MBE in King’s Honours.

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Professor Mykaell Riley, musician, producer and academic, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding services to research and education around Black British Music.

We have received the following press release;

Professor Mykaell Riley awarded MBE in King’s Honours for services to Research & Education in Black British Music

) The University of Westminster is proud to announce that Professor Mykaell Riley, pioneering musician, producer and academic, 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 more than 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 Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) at the University of 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 acclaim and international attention. Most recently, Riley contributed to the UK Music Black Music Means Business Report. Riley is currently Principal Investigator on the AHRC-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 University of Westminster, 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, students composed and produced the entire original soundtrack for the BBC’s hit comedy‑drama BOARDERS (Series 1–3). The BOARDERS Original Soundtrack album is composed entirely by Westminster students - a sector‑leading model of industry‑embedded education.

Professor Riley’s influence extends far beyond academia. He created Britain’s first Black pop string section, the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra, and his work as a writer/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 of Westminster 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 School of Arts (Head of Music) 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!”

About University of Westminster Music BA Hons Course - The University of Westminster’s Music: Production, Performance and Business BA (Hons) is a dynamic course that brings together creative practice and industry insight, combining music production, live performance, songwriting, and the business skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving music landscape. Students develop their artistry alongside real-world knowledge of branding, distribution, and entrepreneurship. The University of Westminster has a strong track record of nurturing exceptional talent across the creative industries, with alumni including Amir Amor (Rudimental), Bree Runway, Estelle, Jake Nava, Al Shux, Ben Wynter, Luke McGrellis, Jin Jin and Remi Harris.