Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 07:19 am
The Anjool Maldé Memorial Trust is delighted to announce the winners of its 2023 Awards, celebrating the UK’s most talented young individuals who have achieved something special. Established in 2010 in memory of Anjool Maldé (1984-2009), the Awards encourage individuals to ‘do well, do good’ in their lives and careers.
The 10th Anniversary JAZZ PRIZE (co-hosted by Guildhall School of Music & Drama, GSMD) was awarded to Anmol Mohara Darji (Drums), Cody Moss (Piano), and Zoe Lima Pascoal (Drums). Matt Skelton, Acting Head of Jazz at GSMD, said: “The Anjool Maldé Jazz Prize is awarded to jazz students who demonstrate exceptional dedication and excellence in their craft. The Award has helped many jazz alumni go on to achieve illustrious careers across the music industry.” Anmol Mohara Darji, one of the winners, said that she plans to use the award money towards the cost of recording her music.
The YOUNG SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (sponsored and co-hosted by Localgiving Foundation) was awarded to Joan Oluwabusola Omolola Idowu, Founder of Several Seats. Judge Betsy Fore, the highly acclaimed serial entrepreneur and founder of Tiny Organics, said: “I am so impressed with Joan’s impact she has built through art therapy and mental health support to empower minority women to thrive in their careers and life.” Tom Latchford, Chairman of Localgiving Foundation, added: “I’m delighted that Several Seats was chosen to win the award, and such a relevant organisation to the times we live in and for honouring the memory of Anjool.”
The ANJOOL MALDÉ SCHOLARSHIP (co-hosted by St Peter’s College Oxford) was awarded to Reuben Leyland (Engineering), Tanya Watson (Chemistry), Marcus Wells (History), Emma Wiggetts (History), and Anna Williams (Geography). Professor Judith Buchanan, Master of St Peter’s College, Oxford, said: “In remembering our former student Anjool, this excellent scholarship scheme brings both significant encouragement and material support to young lives at a crucial point in their studies.”
The PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS (Lead Sponsor and Judge Reuben Kench, co-hosts Northern School of Art) was awarded to Rachel Marsh (Photographic Practice), and Rachel Draper (Commercial Photography). Rachel Marsh, one of the winners, said that she is “so glad [her] vision is understood”. Rachel Draper, the other winner, said that she is “so glad [she] could barely operate a camera when [she] started” and is grateful for the help she received.
The YOUNG JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR (co-hosted by Queen’s University Belfast) was awarded to Christopher Molloy for his short film The Quiet, Uncredited Photographer. Judge Richard O’Sullivan said: “Christopher Molloy’s ‘The Quiet, Uncredited Photographer’ is beautifully filmed and conceptually rich, and prompts us to consider the challenges of portraying the lives of those we love, that ubiquitous aim of much personal documentary.” Christopher Molloy said that the award “fuels [his] determination to push boundaries and make a positive impact”.
The YOUNG INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR (co-hosted by Innovate UK) was awarded to Silvia Juan Lin, Founder of Tycho MedLink, the immersive-technology inspired aid for dementia sufferers. Judge Raj Dey MBE said: “Silvia’s story is inspiring – having seen first-hand the devastating impact of her uncle’s stroke she was spurred into action to help.” Silvia Lin said that the award “fuels [her] determination to push boundaries and make a positive impact”.
The Trustees of the Anjool Maldé Awards would also like to highlight the Journalism Award Winner Chris Molloy for his film The Quiet, Uncredited Photographer. They believe it “captures the modest, unseeking quality of so many unsung heroes who go about pursuing their talents, patiently and steadfastly, regarding this as reward itself”.
The Trustees take great delight in recognising the achievements of all the winners and are humbled by the dedication and commitment of the young individuals.
-ENDS-
