This is one I will read again.Īs a fan of graphic novels and a worshipper of Akala, when I heard that he was writing his own graphic novel exploring the theme of Empire that permeates much of his work, I thought it was too good to be true. It has inspired me to read into the historical events he mentions and do further reading into history. Overall, I truly enjoyed the book, and not simply because I am a fan. He truly demonstrates his descriptive ability.

Both of the accounts were at times nerve racking and graphic. In the latter section of the graphic novel, he fictitiously depicts - what is known as - the Haitian revolution as well as the Peterloo massacre - so I suggest you briefly read about these 2 historical events so you better understand the context he is writing in. The section of the graphic novel carries you through the journey and experience of the 'knowledge seeker' who inquires about the nature of human history, and then briefly explores the stages of human history in a lyrical fashion, accompanied by comic-like artwork which visually illustrates the scenarios very well. I eventually purchased a copy, after finishing college, with the poster also, and I read the book within a day! - That's how engrossed I was. When he mentioned he has wrote a graphic novel, which was he announced at his performance in Manchester a few months back, and even shared a piece, I was immediately enticed.

I have been listening to Akala's music for the past 5 years, and have found his lyrical style, which consists of witty metaphors, subtle truths and social commentaries, propagated by an immaculate flow, deeply compelling. He has also spoken at the Oxford Union.[ He has also been involved in campaigns to 'decolonise' the curriculum including giving a talk at the University of Leicester. The book is part memoir, part polemic, on the subject of race in modern Britain.Īkala has given guest lectures at East 15 Acting School, University of Essex, Manchester Metropolitan University, Sydney University, Sheffield Hallam University, Cardiff University, and the International Slavery Museum, as well as a workshop on songwriting at the School of Oriental and African Studies. In May 2018, Akala published Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire. He was awarded an honourary doctorate by the University of Brighton in 2018. In 2006, he was voted the Best Hip Hop Act at the MOBO Awards.

Originally from Kentish Town, London he is the younger brother of rapper/vocalist Ms.

Kingslee James McLean Daley, better known by the stage name Akala, is an English rapper, author, poet, and political activist.

Akala book