GCU alumnus hits the right note with music award

Glasgow Caledonian University alumnus Serign Sanneh being awarded a awarded a prestigious Richard Toeman Scholarship in London by Paulette Long OBE, chair of the Music Publishers Association.

Glasgow Caledonian University alumnus Serign Sanneh has been awarded a prestigious Richard Toeman Scholarship in London – a national honour from the Music Publishers Association (UK) celebrating the next generation of music publishing talent.

What started as a spark of an idea in a GCU classroom has grown into Jaalolu, a visionary music publishing company that’s transforming how African artists protect their work, claim their rights, and earn what they’re owed.

Serign’s GCU journey began with a Moffat scholarship in 2023 and, since then, he has received GCU’s prestigious Magnusson Award which funded a transformative two-week tour across The Gambia, enabling him to deliver free music business workshops to more than 300 artists, producers and creatives.

He benefited from support through GCU’s Entrepreneurial Hub, including seed funding and mentoring, which helped catalyse his vision for Jaalolu, turning his ideas into action.

Commenting on the award and support received from GCU, Serign Sanneh said: "Receiving the Richard Toeman Scholarship Award from the Music Publishers Association in London was a deeply humbling moment and a powerful validation of a journey that began in the classroom. I moved to the UK in 2002 and have lived in Glasgow for almost 20 years, and Glasgow Caledonian University has played a pivotal role in shaping both my academic and entrepreneurial path.

“The support I’ve received from GCU, particularly through the Magnusson Awards and the Entrepreneurial Hub, has been transformational. They believed in my vision for Jaalolu from the early stages and provided the guidance, confidence, practical and financial support needed to turn an idea into a growing music rights business working across Africa.

“This award is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of the environment GCU creates for students to think globally, act ethically, and build ventures that create real impact.”

Nina Campbell, Development Manager at the GCU Foundation, said: “We are incredibly proud to see how Serign has channelled the support he has received, and honoured to continue working with him as he creates a more just and equitable future for artists worldwide.”