Review
Engaging and accomplished... Boakye's text, enriched by Smart's striking images, is perfectly judged for young readers ― Guardian
Jeffrey Boakye is a special talent and Musical Truth is a special book... [it] deserves to be read widely by young people ― Books for Keeps
A fascinating read ― The Week Junior
A fantastic read... boasting superb illustration from Ngadi Smart ― Clash Magazine
Thorough and inspiring... Boakye's knowledge and passion shines through... Not just essential reading for older children and teens (and adults!) but essential listening too ― BookTrust
From Kitch's Windrush optimism to Jords' visceral defiance via John Barnes' rap, this clever and accessible book connects the dots of UK Black history through music. It made me linger on my own memories of these songs and widen my understanding of my family's experiences -- Patrice Lawrence, author of Eight Pieces of Silva and Orangeboy
Jeffrey Boakye once again proves himself to be a critical authority on the chronicling of British cultural history. Musical Truth is a powerful and very entertaining read -- Nels Abbey, author of Think Like a White Man
Without a doubt the best non-fiction book about music I've ever read. Boakye engages and informs, makes us laugh, makes us weep; he clarifies, ironises, questions, inspires.but always holds the eponymous Truth as his beacon ― Just Imagine
A captivating history which ties together music, black history, family, growing up, politics and inequality with panache, humour, and at times brutal honesty. It's an extraordinary read which made our hearts sing. ― New Rising Media
Product Description
Music can carry the stories of history like a message in a bottle.
Lord Kitchener, Neneh Cherry, Smiley Culture, Stormzy . . . Groundbreaking musicians whose songs have changed the world. But how? This exhilarating playlist tracks some of the key shifts in modern British history, and explores the emotional impact of 28 songs and the artists who performed them.
This book redefines British history, the Empire and postcolonialism, and will invite you to think again about the narratives and key moments in history that you have been taught up to now.
Thrilling, urgent, entertaining and thought-provoking, this beautifully illustrated companion to modern black music is a revelation and a delight.
'Engaging and accomplished . . . perfectly judged for young readers.' Guardian
Book Description
This extraordinary retelling of black British history will dazzle readers of all ages.
About the Author
Jeffrey Boakye is an author, broadcaster, educator and journalist with a particular interest in issues surrounding race, masculinity, education and popular culture. Originally from Brixton in London, Jeffrey has taught secondary English for fifteen years. He is senior teaching fellow at the University of Manchester and has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester. Jeffrey's books include: Hold Tight: Black Masculinity, Millennials and the Meaning of Grime; Black, Listed: Black British Culture Explored; What is Masculinity? Why Does it Matter? And Other Big Questions; Musical Truth: A Musical Journey Through Modern Black Britain; and I Heard What You Said. He is also the co-presenter of BBC Radio 4's double award-winning Add to Playlist.Jeffrey now lives in Yorkshire with his wife and two sons.
Ngadi Smart is an award-winning Sierra Leonean visual artist based between London (UK) and Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), who specialises in illustration and photography. She has illustrated for The Guardian and Eastpak and won the 2020 FAB Prize for illustration.
