May 8, 2025
Temitope “Tope” Idowu, a Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) music program major and member of the Jazz Ensemble, has been named winner of the community college soloist category in DownBeat Magazine’s 2025 Student Music Awards. Idowu, who completed his BMCC degree in Fall 2024, earned the honor in what is considered the most competitive category of the awards.
Music major Elias Solomon and the BMCC Jazz Ensemble were also recognized, with Outstanding Performance awards in their respective categories. The Jazz Ensemble—led by Professor Can Olgun—performs regularly at various venues and has been featured on programs such as this year’s WBGO Jazz Appreciation Month. 
Founded in Chicago in 1934, DownBeat is a leading magazine dedicated to jazz, blues, and related genres. Its Student Music Awards, now in their 50th year, attract submissions from student musicians around the world and aim to spotlight the next generation of jazz talent.
“When I found out about the award, the BMCC Jazz Ensemble was in Midtown recording for a radio show,” said Idowu, who sings and plays drums and is part of the music program’s Jazz and Popular music specialization. “Professor Can Olgun ended the session by announcing that my buddy Elias had won runner-up—and that I had actually won.”
Idowu’s passion for music began in the church, where he was inspired by his drumming cousins. At age nine, he began studying with Rich Harrison, a drum teacher he met at the Boys Club in Harlem on 111th Street.
“Rich introduced me to funk, fusion, and jazz,” said Idowu. “Through the Boys Club program, I had my first performances at venues like the Apollo and Lincoln Center, singing and drumming.”
Today, Idowu performs with local artists and runs his own live band company, providing music for weddings, concerts, and corporate events. He’s also part of a band led by legendary drummer Omar Hakim—as a second drummer, percussionist, and vocalist.
“Omar has played with artists like Madonna, Sting, Mariah Carey, and Miles Davis,” said Idowu. “He’s been a mentor and close friend. I’ve learned so much from him—not just musically, but as a businessman in the music industry.”
Despite his growing success, one thing was missing: a college degree. Idowu first attended college in 2013 but dropped out.
“I was unfocused and believed that, as a working musician, I didn’t need college,” he said. “But one day, I woke up and decided it was time for more—time to strive higher.”
In 2023, ten years later, he enrolled at BMCC. Since then, he’s maintained a near-perfect GPA and says his courses have strengthened his skills in music theory, notation, and reading.
“Winning the DownBeat award and doing well academically has boosted my confidence,” he said. “I’m working every day to become a better version of myself—not just for me, but for the community I serve through music.”
Idowu plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree, and possibly a master’s, with the goal of continuing to give back through his art. He’s still deciding on what college or university he’ll attend.
“I definitely want to make my mom proud and be in a better position to serve my community through the love of music.”
He expressed deep gratitude to BMCC and especially the music faculty for helping him reach this milestone. He was especially grateful to Music and Art Department Chair Eugenia Oi Yan Yau, Music Program Coordinator Quetin Angus, Professor Can Olgun as well as Professor Jon DeLucia.
Idowu says he wants to be in a better position to serve his community through the love of music. He’s even thinking that maybe, someday, he’d like to be a full time music teacher.
“Going back to college has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Idowu, who will be participating in BMCC’s commencement ceremony June 4 at Barclay’s Center.. “It’s true—the world is what you make it. If you believe in yourself, you can be anything you want to be.
Learn more about BMCC’s music program here.
- DownBeat is a leading magazine dedicated to jazz, blues, and related genres.
