CANTERBURY, England (AP) — PinkPantheress, who left college after one year to pursue a music career, was awarded an honorary doctorate from England’s University of Kent on Tuesday, July 22.
The 24-year-old U.K. artist was one of eight individuals honored with a doctorate during a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral. Her recognition was for her “contribution to and achievements in music in the digital age.”
Wearing a red gown, PinkPantheress addressed the audience to applause, reflecting on her journey from Canterbury to global success.
“Canterbury was the backdrop for the majority of my life. I joined my first band here,” she said. “I had my first-ever job at the cricket ground. I uploaded my first songs to SoundCloud here.”
She spoke about her experiences making music while her father, a statistics professor at the University of Kent, graded papers. She also addressed the impact of budget cuts on music programs across the U.K.
“We’ve seen music departments lose funding all over the country,” she said. “It’s never been more important to give young people access to different artistic outlets. Trust yourself and lean on those who support you.”
The singer of “Boys a Liar, Pt. 2” shared a video on TikTok, showing her walking through hallways in her cap and gown, holding her degree and dancing to her track “Illegal.”
“And from now, it’s Dr. Pantheress,” she wrote. “I cannot believe this and legit every single person who graduated with a doctorate or any degree today at Kent Uni, I am in awe of you. You’re the future. You’re everything. I am not worthy of being in your presence.”
PinkPantheress released her mixtape “Fancy That” in May, which reached No. 4 on the Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
