The Rotherham-born singer, whose real name is Rebecca Lucy Taylor, was made an honorary Doctor of Music at the higher education institution earlier today.
The news was first announced by the South Yorkshire university earlier this morning, who wrote they were bestowing Taylor with the honour “for her success in music and public championing of inclusivity and diversity.”
Upon receiving the award, Taylor spoke to the room of university students in typically empowering terms, saying: “When I was asked if I could accept this Honorary Doctorate, my first thought was, ‘Well, no, I don’t deserve it; everyone will think, who is she anyway?’”
A snippet of Rebecca Lucy Taylor’s (Self Esteem’s) speech this morning when she accepted her honorary doctorate ❤️@SELFESTEEM___ pic.twitter.com/gZU5R3f89B
— The University of Sheffield (@sheffielduni) July 17, 2023
“When this morning I looked in the mirror and I didn’t know if I looked good enough, I realised the journey is never over. Everything I said about believing in myself doesn’t come easily or naturally, it’s a lifelong practice.”
Self Esteem’s stock has risen sharply since the release of her Mercury-nominated 2021 album, Prioritise Pleasure.
The singer was recently one of the opening acts for Blur’s huge Wembley show, alongside the likes of Sleaford Mods and Jockstrap.
