Solent graduate goes platinum
Jo Howarth, a graduate of Solent University, Southampton's Music Business degree, has returned to campus to donate a very special plaque in recognition of the institution's role in her career milestone.
Visiting Solent's East Park Terrace campus on Thursday 18 April, Jo donated a platinum disc for the song 'Giving Me' by Jazzy - an artist managed by Jo at Attention Management - which has been a bestseller in both England and Ireland, earning a combined 150 million global streams so far.
At a special celebratory ceremony, Jo credited Solent for providing her with the skills and confidence to carve out a career in the competitive music industry, saying:
"It's my pleasure to pass on my first plaque to Solent. I owe so much of my success to the University and the tutors who taught me so it feels right for this to find a home on the wall!"
As an artist manager, Jo has been instrumental in key moments for her clients, including Jazzy's top 3 spot in the Official UK Singles Chart and a BRIT nomination for Best International Song. Jo has also worked with global superstars including Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey, and represented James Arthur, guiding him to a top three album.
Jo regularly returns to Solent to give inspiring guest lectures and offer mentorship to students with ambitions like hers. She says Solent helped her turn a childhood ambition into an achievable career path:
"Solent's support is still influencing me, and my lecturers are people I rely on and work with today - ten years on from meeting them. I credit them with my career trajectory without a shadow of a doubt."
Jo's platinum disc now sits proudly in Solent's The Spark building, inspiring students to pursue their dreams with the support of their lecturers. Professor James Knowles, Solent's Vice-Chancellor, says:
"It was fantastic to welcome Jo back to campus to hear more about her incredible career. Graduates like Jo demonstrate that our practical approach, combined with strong academic integrity, achieve meaningful outcomes, and we are proud to have played a role in Jo's success.
"We continue to work closely with industry to connect out students to the very best opportunities that will help them to succeed across all sectors, and we look forward to sharing more stories like this in the years to come."
Find out more about Solent's Music Business degree here.
Photography by Media Production student, Ellie Campbell.Â
