FABER HAS won a hotly contested four-way auction for author and educator Jeffrey Boakye’s latest non-fiction children’s book, Musical Truth: A Musical History of Modern Black Britain in 23 Songs.

There is nothing like Musical Truth out there. It’s the book on black British history that I wished I had when I was growing up and one that will bring the history of black British communities alive

Jeffrey Boakye

Drawing on Jeffrey’s love of music, his educational knowledge and his experience as a teacher, Musical Truth is a history book with a twist, exploring black British history through the lens of modern music.

Structured around a playlist of well-known songs, including ‘Pass the Dutchie’ (Musical Youth), ’21 Seconds’ (So Solid Crew), ‘Vossi Bop’ (Stormzy) and many more, Musical Truth invites young readers to explore crucial aspects of British history, the Empire and postcolonialism.

Boakye said: “Black British history is woefully under-represented in the mainstream curriculum.

“The stories and histories of black communities are an essential part of British history overall. Musical Truth aims to bring these narratives to the forefront through music and words, something I feel incredibly passionate about.

“I cannot express how privileged and excited I am to be working with Faber on bringing Musical Truth to the world.

“Their passion and enthusiasm is both energising and inspiring, not to mention their commitment to bringing important narratives to children’s bookshelves.

“There is nothing like Musical Truth out there. It’s the book on black British history that I wished I had when I was growing up and one that will bring the history of black British communities alive.

“Music has the power of resistance in the face of oppression but can also be a celebration at the exact same time.

“This is the spirit in which Musical Truth lives, ready to ignite classrooms, bookshelves and conversations. With Faber at the helm, I am beyond confident that Musical Truth will achieve everything it sets out to do.

“I’m totally here for this and can’t wait to reveal what Faber and I are working on.”

Leah Thaxton, Publisher said: ‘This extraordinary retelling of black British history will dazzle readers of all ages. It has the intelligence and power to change the way British history is taught in schools and should become a school set text. Jeffrey is a phenomenal talent we feel very lucky to publish.”

Thaxton acquired UK and Commonwealth rights excluding Canada from Sarah Such at the Sarah Such Literary Agency. Musical Truth: A Musical History of Modern Black Britain in 23 Songs will publish in hardback on June 3, 2021.