In 2018 the musician, whose real name is Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, launched a scholarship programme for black students at the University of Cambridge. The institution said he would receive a doctorate in law in recognition of his philanthropic work and impact on education, music, sport and literature.

Eight people will be recognised by the university, including Dame Katherine, the first female chair of the British Olympic Association. Cambridge University said the ‘Stormzy effect’ had contributed to an increase in applications to the university from black students across the UK. The Stormzy Scholarship funds two black British students per year at Cambridge, covering their tuition fees and maintenance costs. It was later expanded when HSBC UK agreed to fund a further 10 students per year.

The university said 55 students had been supported by a Stormzy Scholarship so far, and this year would see the largest group to date graduate. Dame Katherine will also receive a doctorate in law from the university. She is currently chancellor of the University of Glasgow and is the only British woman to have won a medal at five successive Olympic Games.

All eight of those recommended have accepted the honorary doctorate nomination, subject to final approval by the university's governing body. They will be admitted to their degrees on 25 June, presided by vice-chancellor Prof Deborah Prentice. An honorary doctorate in letters will be granted to Sir Simon Russell Beale, who is an honorary fellow of Gonville and Caius College, where he studied for his undergraduate degree.

Political activist, philosopher and author Professor Angela Davis will also receive a doctorate in letters. The founder and director of the Cambridge Singers, Sir John Rutter, whose work has been performed all over the world, will be granted a doctorate in music. (BBC/ Sarah Jeynes)