Brighton was the perfect place to explore academic and creative pursuits

Meet Frances Higgwe, a Brighton graduate in Water and Environment Management who has forged a unique path, blending her environmental and project management expertise with a flourishing career as DJ Frizzie.

Brighton alum Frances Higgwe, known to fans as DJ Frizzie, has expertly balanced a passion for environmental management with her love of music, building successful careers in both fields. From managing large-scale projects to spinning at high-energy events, Frances shows how a Brighton degree can open unexpected doors.

DJ and music producer

As a DJ and music producer, she is celebrated for her remarkable talent in blending diverse musical genres, creating a high-energy atmosphere that gets listeners moving and grooving. Originally from Nigeria, she has risen to prominence as one of the country’s leading female DJs.

Her impressive educational background and passion for music have led to notable achievements, such as; being the official DJ for Joe Wicks’ Kew Gardens Festival and earning multiple nominations for Female DJ of the Year at prestigious awards, including the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA), Beatz Awards, and Exquisite Lady of the Year Awards.

Life as a Graduate and launching a Successful Music Career

“Since graduating in 2016, I’ve completed my master’s in project management while also growing my music career as DJ Frizzie. Today, my career now has two parts, I manage projects by day and work on music production and DJing by night. It’s a balancing act, but every step has been worth it.

“For my DJ work, I’ve been honoured to win and be nominated for various female DJ awards, including DJaneTop’s Top 100 Best World Female DJ. I was featured in Virgin Atlantic’s Vera magazine and had the incredible opportunity to be the official DJ for Joe Wicks’ Kew Garden Festival, entertaining celebrities like Gabby Logan, Kirsty, and Kenny Logan. Additionally, I’ve collaborated with top brands such as Superdry, Smirnoff, Forever 21, Kurt Geiger, and Kiko Milano, which has been a significant highlight in my career.

Award nominations

“Receiving nominations for several DJ awards has been such an honour and a reminder of the hard work and passion I’ve poured into music. Every nomination represents years of dedication, resilience and countless late nights. It validates every risk I took and every challenge I overcame along the way.”

Working with Joe Wicks at Kew Gardens

“DJ’ing for Joe Wicks at the Kew Gardens Festival was an incredible opportunity. It happened because I kept building strong networks and staying consistent with my craft. Over time, I’ve been collaborating with top brands and events, which expanded my reach.

“When I got the invitation to DJ at Joe’s festival, I said yes immediately! The experience was unforgettable. Joe’s energy is infectious, and the festival atmosphere was electric. It was amazing to create a vibrant atmosphere for where wellness, fun, and music connected seamlessly.  Moments like that fuel my passion to keep growing, evolving, and creating unforgettable experiences on my DJ journey.”

Building Experience and Connections at Brighton

“My time at Brighton allowed me to explore both my environmental and creative passions. The skills I developed are essential in both my project management career and my music journey.

“The community at the University of Brighton was incredibly supportive. Being part of a diverse environment helped me grow personally and professionally, and the friendships I made have continue to be invaluable.”

Project management and research skills

“The Water and Environmental Management course gave me a solid foundation for project management. It sharpened my analytical skills and taught me to approach challenges critically.  The emphasis on data analysis and environmental assessments helped me build a mindset for identifying potential issues early on.

“I also gained important research skills that allow me to understand the project requirements thoroughly, which is vital for meeting client needs. Sustainability principles, which are a big part of the course, are now core values I integrate into my work. And through group projects, I learned collaboration and communication skills that are essential when managing diverse stakeholders.”

Proud moments in my environmental and project management career

“After graduating, I started as an Environmental Project Assistant at LetsDesignStudios, a startup architectural consulting firm, where I worked from August 2016 to January 2018. My role focused on sustainable architectural designs to address climate change, and I helped clients meet carbon and energy goals, and supported Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). I also managed project timelines, negotiated with clients, and even led our website development by recruiting and overseeing a designer within budget.

Working in Saudi Arabia and at the DWP

“One of my proudest roles was as Lead Project Support Officer for the AlUla Regeneration Project in Saudi Arabia. I supported project coordination and stakeholder engagement to ensure smoot project execution.  At the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), I also supported welfare programs like Universal Credit and Jobseekers Allowance, strengthening my commitment to community service.

“Later with the Synergy Programme at the DWP, I collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, significantly improving project performance. These experiences have been invaluable for my project management skills and I’m excited about taking on new challenges.”

Defining success and advice for current students

“Success, to me, is about doing what you love and continuously growing in your passions. It’s about making a positive impact on others and giving back to the community. Success means fulfilment, inspiration, and leaving a legacy.

“My advice for current students is to embrace every opportunity and follow all your passions. The experiences and connections you make at Brighton will shape your future in unexpected ways.”