BIMM Music Institute Dublin and Bohemian F.C. award scholarship

Everyone at BIMM Music Institute Dublin is pleased to welcome Peacemore Magonya, the first recipient of a scholarship launched by BIMM Music Institute Dublin and Bohemian Football Club to support those currently or formerly housed in direct provisions.

The scholarship was made possible by the sales of Bohemian’s away shirt featuring the late reggae star Bob Marley, which was released in partnership with the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI) and Amnesty International. The shirts that feature Bob Marley were created to celebrate his last ever outdoor gig and only ever gig in Ireland, which took place at the club’s ground, Dalymount Park stadium, in 1980.

Applications for the scholarship were open to all current or former residents of the direct provision system, including mature students, and it funds them to study Ireland’s first third-level degree course in contemporary music. It was open to those who wished to study drums, guitar, bass, vocals and songwriting.

After receiving the scholarship, Peacemore’s fees will be paid in full for the four-year degree course, worth up to €12,000.

Peacemore said: “I’ve been into music since I was 11. A friend of mine sent me the scholarship details, and I looked into it; for me, it’s an incredible opportunity. It would’ve been a real challenge for me to be able to do it without the scholarship. There are so many people in music who need an opportunity like this. I hope it continues.”

BIMM Music Institute Dublin campus dean Alan Cullivan added: “BIMM and Bohemian F.C. share many interests, including a love of music and a desire to shine a light on the circumstances that immigrants endure in direct provision centres, a system which we believe should come to an end. Also similar to Bohemian FC, BIMM is an inclusive campus, and we strive to be as diverse and welcoming as possible. We cannot wait to work with Peacemore over the next four years.”