Mad Rush MC Offered Prestigious Music Production Scholarship

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Just a few months ago, Manchester wept at the injustice of one of the scene's most prominent figures, Mad Rush MC AKA Owen Haisley, announcing his imminent deportation. However, due to overwhelming public interest in Owen’s case, which saw 100,000+ people sign an online petition of support, plus political intervention from a host of MPs including the Mayor of Greater Manchester himself, the well-loved Drum & Bass hype man was saved from deportation on February 5th, 2019.

Despite his long term future in the UK still in legal limbo, the renowned Manchester musician has been recognised by one of Manchester’s leading music education providers, School of Electronic Music, as a key figurehead in the Manchester music industry - a position also supported by Sacha Lord, owner and operator of Warehouse Project and Parklife Festival and Night-time Economy Advisor to Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester).

After spending 5 weeks detained over 200 miles from his young children, the Directors of School of Electronic Music (S.E.M) stepped forward to acknowledge Owen’s longstanding reputation in the music industry and to offer him a prestigious Music Production Scholarship at their state-of-the-art facilities, which will begin later this month.

As a performer, Owen is a well-respected figure in the Manchester music industry and beyond, having performed to thousands of people up and down the UK at festivals including Parklife, Creamfields and Kendal Calling, providing the energy and good vibes for leading Drum & Bass acts, including household names like Chase & Status. Well known Manchester-based promoter and now local Government advisor, Sacha Lord said, “Owen is and always has been a very key part of Manchester’s underground music scene, particularly within the Drum & Bass community. It’s been truly inspirational to see the city get behind the campaign to save him from deportation and I fully support him in his fight to have his visa reinstated and for him to remain in Manchester, his home”.

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