Seun Matiluko is a “zillenial” and a British-Nigerian journalist. She has a large and vibrant family – who won’t stop sending her messages in the group chat! Seun’s grandfather was a diplomat who studied in England in the 1950s but went back to Nigeria on the dawn of independence. Due to political and economic turmoil, Seun’s parents immigrated to the UK – where Seun was born.

But is it possible to authentically be both British and West African? Seun decides to speak with other British-West Africans to find out, including Radio 1 DJ Melvin Odoom and playwright Matilda Feyiṣayọ Ibini.

Matilda suggests that looking to history might help…Seun begins her journey in the 16th century with John Blanke. She meets Independent historian Michael Ohajuru who tells her more about Blanke, the first Black person in British history for whom historians have located both a name and an image.

She then looks to the 17th and 18th centuries, and West African abolitionists like Olaudah Equiano with the help of Professor Gretchen Gerzina.

Finally, Seun chats with spoken word artist Tuggstar Togoboh who recently discovered his Ghanaian great-grandfather stowed away on a ship to Britain in the 19th century.

Producer and Presenter: Seun Matiluko.

Supervising Producer: Jessie Bland.

Researcher: Richard Ampeh.

Theme music: Richard Olatunde Baker.

Sound design: Kalua.

Artwork: Tinuke Fagborun.

A Three Arrows Media production for BBC Sounds Audio Lab.

Commissioning Editor: Khaliq Meer.

Aflevering-ID: 1000646270478

GUID: urn:bbc:podcast:p0hd68c4

Releasedatum: 21-2-2024 12:40:00