RACE, CLASS AND EMPIRE: AKALA TO PRESENT BBC THREE DOCUMENTARY SERIES

The BBC has commissioned a new documentary series from Bafta and MOBO Award-winning hip-hop artist, bestselling author and social entrepreneur Akala.

Inspired by his bestselling book, Natives: Race And Class In The Ruins Of Empire, the series will combine the story of Akala’s own personal journey of self-discovery with an immersive exploration of issues of race, class and empire and how they affect the lives of young people today.

Akala says: “When I was writing Natives, I wanted to try and show how race, class and power dynamics impact the lives of everyday people - these issues affect us all in complicated and chaotic ways, which is why I wanted to contextualise my life and my experiences with the history of Britain and the British Empire that shapes the world we live in today. My ambition is to do something similar with this TV series. This is going to be a bit of an epic journey for me, exploring this and fresh ideas further with audiences globally.”

Akala’s interviews, encounters, and unique insight will reveal how race, class and power dynamics continue to shape social policy and life opportunities in the UK. He will explore how they impact the daily lives and aspirations of working class and young black British people today.

Akala will meet those at the centre of these experiences and will question experts, policy makers and opinion formers. Akala will also meet those who are bucking the trend and making positive changes.