Settlers: Journeys Through the Food, Faith and Culture of Black African London

Settlers is a book by Jimi Famurewa that explores the history, culture, and experiences of Black African Londoners, tracing their roots from post-1960s arrivals to the present day. It offers a vivid portrait of modern Britain, highlighting the contributions of Black African communities and addressing issues of racial discrimination and cultural friction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Settlers is a testament to Jimi Famurewa's deep affection for his lineage and culture. An insightful, personal, and profound work, it delves into the intricacies of modern black London.

Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie and People Person, praises Settlers as thrilling and touching, while also acknowledging its significance as a comprehensive guide to the city today. Ben Judah, a journalist and author of "This is London: Life and Death in the World City," commends Jimi for his ability to vividly bring modern black London to life. Sathnam Sanghera, author of Empireland: How Modern Britain is Shaped by its Imperial Past, describes Settlers as an essential book that combines history, present, and future perspectives on being Black, African, and British in the capital.

The story unfolds from the post-1960s arrivals of individuals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Somalia, who have since contributed to a flourishing wave of British creativity spanning from Lambeth to Lagos, Islington to the Ivory Coast. Jimi Famurewa writes with humor, style, and sensitivity about the extraordinary world of Black African London, exploring themes of racial discrimination, the legacy of transracial private fostering, and the challenges of modern life.

Settlers seamlessly blends memoir, history, and journalism, offering a vital and hopeful portrayal of modern Britain. It sheds light on the complex roots of our nation and emphasizes the importance of understanding the story of how it came to be. The book highlights the presence of descendants of Black African families across various fields, including sport, business, fashion, the arts, and beyond. Figures such as Daniel Kaluuya, Skepta, John Boyega, Little Simz, Edward Enninful, and Bukayo Saka serve as examples of the impact and influence of these families in shaping modern Britain.

In conclusion, Settlers is a remarkable work that offers a profound exploration of the experiences of Black African Londoners. Through Jimi Famurewa's insightful writing and storytelling, the book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the city, its history, and its diverse communities. It serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and contributions of Black African families in shaping the modern landscape of Britain.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 200 x 130 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472991560