ICMP announces winners of Alumni Awards 2021

This year, ICMP's Careers and Industry Hub launched the ICMP Alumni Awards to celebrate the achievements of our alumni. 

We have recognised the hard work of our alumni with three categories: Community Impact Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Industry Innovation Award. 

The winners of the awards are Jihea Oh (BMus Bass, 2014), Ilja Krumins (BA Creative Musicianship, 2015) and Joel Lees (BA Creative Music Production, 2020). Each award winner receives £500 prize money and was selected by our external industry judge, Loretta Andrews, Director, Safe Music Management. She launched the company in 2015 and manages the likes of poet, producer and rapper, Joshua Luke Smith and singer songwriter, Jake Isaac. 

Oliver Tatler, Careers & Employability Manager, said:

“The Careers & Industry Hub was delighted to receive so many fantastic nominations and get an insight into the incredible work ICMP alumni are doing within music, the creative industries and beyond as well as in the wider community."

The winners are below with Loretta's comments on why she chose them.

Lifetime Achievement Award | Winner: Jihea Oh (BMus in Popular Music Performance | Bass, 2014) 

This award recognises alumni who have made a significant impact in their chosen profession.

“I’ve chosen Jihea because of the sheer amount of work she has done in the industry with such a broad range of artists in a broad range of venues globally. Female bass players are underrepresented and she is doing a fantastic job as a role model and performing excellently gaining international recognition.”

Industry Innovation Award | Winner: Ilja Krumins (BA Creative Musicianship, 2015)

This award recognises alumni who have identified creative solutions within their chosen profession.

“I’ve chosen Ilja as I love that his idea for Gamechanger Audio formed while studying at ICMP has come so far.

The idea itself is innovative in terms of the technology and to be used by established and veteran artists such as The Rolling Stones must have been a real moment for them. It’s hard enough to develop a unique idea but to then be able to produce, market and make it successful is something to be very proud of.”

Community Impact Award: Winner: Joel Lees (BA Creative Music Production, 2020)

This award recognises alumni who have made a positive impact on the wider community.

“As this award is aimed at highlighting the impact a person has had on a community, I feel the work Joel Lees is doing with more than music is and will have a massive positive impact on young people. I love how Joel has turned his life around and in turn is looking to help young people through music. Music is so powerful and an amazing tool for reaching young people and can have a lasting impact. The training and opportunities Joel is providing with More than Music will have an impact for generations going forward.”