Musical polymath Damon Albarn OBE awarded honorary degree by the University of Exeter

Visionary musical polymath Damon Albarn OBE has been awarded an honorary DLitt from the University of Exeter in recognition of his creativity, innovation and commitment to environmental causes by the University of Exeter.

Damon is one of the UK’s most prolific and influential artists. The creative force on more than 40 albums, including band projects, solo albums, collaborations, operas and film soundtracks, his work has earned him six Brit Awards, two Ivor Novello Awards and a Grammy and has left an enduring mark on the music industry and beyond. 

His honorary degree, awarded today, recognises the impact of his diverse talents and innovative spirit, and the way he has continuously pushed the boundaries of contemporary music, opera, composition and collaboration. 

The time Damon has spent in Devon throughout his life has both inspired and sustained him and he has been a vocal advocate for environmental causes, using his platform and music to raise awareness about climate change and sustainability.

Mike Shore Nye, University of Exeter Senior Vice President, Registrar and Secretary, said: “From his early beginnings to his global success, Damon’s journey is a testament to creativity, resilience, and the power of education. His life and achievements are a testament to his relentless pursuit of artistic learning, innovation and excellence.

“The tranquil landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Devon have influenced his music and provided a serene escape from the bustling world of music and fame. Damon has created his own musical landscapes.”

“Damon’s story is an inspiration to aspiring artists and his commitment to environmental causes highlights the crucial role artists can play in advocating for a sustainable future.”

blur’s debut Leisure in 1991 marked the start of Damon Albarn’s extensive and eclectic career. Iconic works for blur and later Gorillaz are interspersed with writing for film soundtracks including Ravenous (1999), 101 Reykjavík (2001) and Broken (2012). An Oxfam commission gave rise to the transformative Mali Music (2002) made in Bamako with Afel Bocoum & Toumani Diabaté , and Kinshasa One Two(2011). Then, with Africa Express, came Maison De Jeunes (2013) and Egoli (2019), as well as the formation of The Orchestra of Syrian Musicians for an eponymous studio album and the opening slot at Glastonbury Festival in 2016. 

Albarn’s first full opera Monkey: Journey To The West debuted at Manchester International Festival in 2007 and was followed by the operas and musicals Dr Dee(2011), Wonder.land (2015) and most recently, Le Vol du Boli (2021). 

In addition to nine studio albums with blur and eight with Gorillaz, Albarn has also recorded two albums with The Good, The Bad & The Queen and two solo albums, the Mercury Prize-nominated Everyday Robots (2014) and The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows (2021). He has also produced for multiple artists from Kano to Amadou & Miriam, and most proudly, wrote and produced Bobby Womack’s final album The Bravest Man In The Universe, released in 2012. 

Damon, who joked his honorary degree “was somewhat of an elevation” as the last time he had been to Exeter was to get his driving theory certificate, told students he knew they would “forge wonderful careers”.

He said: “There are so many ways for a single fact to become so fragmented and distorted. Trust in your instincts and don’t take no for an answer. Be open minded and go out there and do good things.”

This week 10,000 University of Exeter students will graduate in ceremonies in Exeter and Cornwall attended by a further 19,000 guests.