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Settlers

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

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Settlers

By: Jimi Famurewa
Narrated by: Jimi Famurewa
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Bloomsbury presents Settlers written and read by Jimi Famurewa.

A journey into the extraordinary, vibrant world of Black African London which is shaping modern Britain.

What makes a Londoner? What is it to be Black, African and British? And how can we understand the many tangled roots of our modern nation without knowing the story of how it came to be?

This is a story that begins not with the ‘Windrush Generation’ of Caribbean immigrants to Britain, but with post-1960s arrivals from African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Somalia. Some came from former British colonies in the wake of newfound independence; others arrived seeking prosperity and an English education for their children. Now, in the 2020s, their descendants have unleashed a tidal wave of creativity and cultural production stretching from Lambeth to Lagos, Islington to the Ivory Coast. Daniel Kaluuya and Skepta; John Boyega and Little Simz; Edward Enninful and Bukayo Saka – everywhere you look, across the fields of sport, business, fashion, the arts and beyond, there are the descendants of Black African families that were governed by many of the same immutable, shared traditions.

In this book Jimi Famurewa, a British-Nigerian journalist, journeys into the hidden yet vibrant world of African London. Seeking to understand the ties that bind Black African Londoners together and link them with their home countries, he visits their places of worship, roams around markets and restaurants, attends a traditional Nigerian engagement ceremony, shadows them on their morning journeys to far-flung grammar schools and listens to stories from shopkeepers and activists, artists and politicians.

But this isn’t just the story of energetic, ambitious Londoners. Jimi also uncovers a darker side, of racial discrimination between White and Black communities and, between Black Africans and Afro-Caribbeans. He investigates the troublesome practice of ‘farming’ in which young Black Nigerians were sent to live with White British foster parents, examines historic interaction with the police, and reveals the friction between traditional Black African customs and the stresses of modern life in diaspora. This is a vivid new portrait of London, and of modern Britain.©2022 Jimi Famurewa (P)2022 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Europe Great Britain Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences Sociology Urban Africa Social justice
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Critic reviews

As thrilling as it is touching and revealing - this book is an indispensable map to London today. (Ben Judah)
Illuminating and fascinating, with humour and some surprises, Jimi Famurewa examines Britain's African communities, past and present. (Stephen Bourne)
Jimi brings modern black London alive like no other author. This feels like an important book that is also a total pleasure to read. (Sathnam Sanghera)
Settlers is the book I didn’t know I was waiting for. Jimi Famurewa approaches an incredibly complicated topic with a steady hand and fine precision that results in a book that is well researched, rich in nuance and handled with care. It was as enjoyable to read as it was enlightening. (Jendella Benson)
This is an extraordinary and beautifully written piece of work that deals with a deeply complex and rich history with a remarkable lightness of touch, sensitivity, warmth and insight. It is depressing to reflect on the reality that all too many people continue to question the benefits of immigration. This fine book shows beyond any doubt that London, and this country, is all the better for its Black African population. (James Ramsden)
A spellbinding portrait of culture, talent, food and activism.
Settlers is replete with revealing anecdotes… Famurewa’s writing is thoughtful, cogent and admirably even-handed.
Dazzling.
[Jimi's] voice and the way he writes I just love.
Settlers is a pleasure to read, by turns lyrical, approachable, funny, sensitive and always well-researched… [Famurewa] sweeps you along so thoroughly that you don’t realise until you close the book quite how much you have enjoyed it, how much you have learnt and how much it will stay with you.
Settlers is a testament to Jimi Famurewa's love not just for his lineage, but for the culture. An incisive, intimate and profound work. (Candice Carty-Williams)
All stars
Most relevant
I have gained an appreciation of the lived experiences, from the African diaspora, within the UK. As a descendant of Jamaican heritage, born in London and who attended an inner city school in the 80’s, having such detailed accounts as this was completely edifying and filled in some blanks to questions thought of throughout the years. Thank you for taking the time to expound on areas of food, faith, education and mindset.

Historical context

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An amazing compendium, I both learned a great deal but was also put on to many more routes for further learning.

Where data and story telling meet

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Refreshing history of London - through the story of race, food, faith, education and much more. Feel more informed about the town I call home 🙏🏾

Loved it!

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Such an incredibly well created body of work! Well and truly written and an easy read with so many relatable anecdotes from several people across the African and Caribbean diaspora. Listening to this brought a sense of real familiarity within me that feels so strange as we really do have a shared experience

Beautifully written and very relatable!

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