Akala at the Edinburgh International Book Festival

Race and class have shaped the world of MOBO award-winning hip hop artist, poet and political commentator Akala. In Natives, his searing polemic on race in the UK, he considers his own experiences in both childhood and as an adult, and connects them to the social, political and historical context that have led us to where we are now. In this event, filmed live at the 2018 Edinburgh International Book Festival, he shares his thoughts with Heather Parry.

[@pezushka]

he is intensely lucid, his mind never misses a beat or a syllable.

[@TempleOfOrmes]

extremely ‘Illuminated” : Nothing More Beautiful especially when balanced with a beautiful Heart.

[@liambradley6718]

He doesn't in his rap so why would he slip up when he talks lol

[@omobanedonaija6966]

He is soooo intelligent and so knowledgeable of his cultures. Wow.

[@brandonfromlondonuk3484]

i could listen to this guy all day every day

[@ayayyay]

BRANDON WATKINS FROM LONDON UK Probably because you’re thick.

[@brandonfromlondonuk3484]

@@ayayyay YOUR 100% CORRECT

[@resilienceofagypsy3998]

Moor Wakanda they don’t though...

[@resilienceofagypsy3998]

Moor Wakanda that’s absolute nonsense though and you know it

[@NextSound170]

I hope uneducated Europeans who like to think they're smarter than everyone watch and listen and learn

[@Louise-rvn]

Nothing but respect for Akala 👊

[@yazyyaz3486]

He's literally the only person on earth I can listen to for hours without distracting myself like I usually do... He needs to have a political/educational TV programme... The youngsters need that and they would definitely listen to him 💝

[@birdyelke775]

😁😁😁you're exaggerated...

[@sarahreid48]

Oh dear - he is seriously misinformed

[@Make_Boxing_Great_Again]

He’s the only person I can’t listen to for more than 30 seconds. He’s so ignorant and misinformed it’s unbelievable.

[@lenwilkinson672]

@yazyyaz3486. Well well isn’t he the lucky one. He obviously does not realise how fortunate he is to be here. and to talk as he does.

[@lenwilkinson672]

@@sarahreid48 he is a cocky fellow.he needs to polish up his speech.

[@rparry7444]

Not a plug but for those who struggle to read, as i do, this book is on Audible. Read by Akala

[@tayosekoni308]

Shiny Hunter R P thanks going to get it

[@psychedelicpegasus7587]

Cheers for spreading this. I had it on my wish list for a good few months and just bought it yesterday.

[@heathercampbell1560]

Got it. Thanks

[@haza123b4]

*or go back to nursery / kindergarden*

[@chrisgitaka2553]

Certainly not a but plug🤟 i will get my coat...

[@ebonyg2244]

I’m an “African American” in the USA. I really appreciate the fact that there are people all over the world exposing racism as the sinister plague that it is.

[@redbadgeofcourage]

Listening to Akala makes me painfully aware of my own shortcoming and ignorance. What a wonderful speaker!

[@dimitrijackson5765]

Indeed; He as We here in America say.... Dropped Science!!!!

[@daphcarballo3778]

P

[@arkautomotive1862]

He would not want you to feel that way.

[@maxmaxwell5800]

@@daphcarballo3778 . M . .. ..... ........ .. . .. .......... . . . . ... ..................................... . .... . . .. . ..,.. . ]0yuijury

[@josh0g]

Definitely was part of my push to start reading more.

[@jamesnicholson3658]

this is a guy who has truly opened his mind and sticks up for the poorest in society, we could all learn something from him

[@bakeyardpatties]

Poorest or most marginalised? just so you know, wealthy black people and poor black people are treated the same in Britain. Your comment makes me believe you didn't hear a word he said. Maybe watch it again!

[@THEMAX4523]

@@bakeyardpatties what does poor mean to you?

[@wanaraz]

Every Conservative has been doing that their whole lives.

[@whatname4613]

@@wanaraz b.s.

[@wanaraz]

@@whatname4613 conservatism means caring.

[@ShizukaRose]

He needs a podcast

[@frakasha24]

Yesssssssss, I would love that

[@15queenslanddrive]

ShizukaRose yea a podchanel

[@MegaDiva1999]

or a whole nation to run

[@jonathanhatfield1237]

He needs to be deported he's racist as fukk

[@jonathanhatfield1237]

6 comments not very wow his podcast would suck lol

[@larms1000]

First, I'm not from Britain and I've visited only once. I listened to the eBook twice and I'm sure to listen to it again. The logic and intelligence of this man is breathtaking. I can listen to him speak anytime.

[@reflection1119]

What a Don! A true role model of a man of substance for young people to aspire to emulate to bring about positive change to our world

[@Make_Boxing_Great_Again]

Sure that makes sense. People should aspire to be a don. I’m glad you don’t have any kind of influence.

[@birdyelke775]

A Don!!! The guy's a civil servant, not a mafia...🤣😂🤣

[@lorcanzo2498]

@@Make_Boxing_Great_Again😐

[@1anre]

More young men need to learn how to tell stories like he does.

[@monalisawm]

He deserves an award and his own television show...

[@nickthepeasant]

I've re-watched this over and over, Akala is a literal national treasure (never mind soap stars and reality tv personalities). Love hearing him speak, and find it fun to watch anyone who interviews him essentially falling in love with him - intellectually and / or romantically..he's beautiful in every way so can't be helped.

[@andrewpeters6339]

A very important man for the modern times. Amazing.

[@jonathanhatfield1237]

An idiot

[@thelaurels13]

Jonathan Hatfield An idiot? How? You wouldn’t last 20 seconds in a debate with him. Mr cocky internet fat boy!

[@welshdruid1957]

@@jonathanhatfield1237 We know who the real idiot is! What is your problem with rational thinking?

[@HarryFlowerrs]

@@jonathanhatfield1237He’s obviously not for you as you’re clearly hard of thinking!🤡

[@stella9624]

Still re-watching this... Protect Akala at all costs🙏🥰

[@NateDogg8870]

Agree! It's very hard to find intellectuals of his ilk that haven't been assassinated.

[@biancabeekhuizen131]

"born poor, by Western standards at least" I've been looking for this phrase for so long. South African trying to explain to British friends the legacy of colonialism

[@marvinwilliams52]

Always very engaging and informative listening to Akala. And I loved his book. An essential read.

[@bobbye.wright4424]

Brotha akala is very deep i love listening to him

[@tbello007]

Watching from Nigeria. Akala is a great mind. Why did I only recently discover him?

[@joederrett6619]

0 dislikes, of course. What a gem! How lucky am I to have found Akala? Spiritual overload. I love you Akala

[@questworldmatrix]

@Moor Wakanda Yeah but you claim credit by association despite having accomplished nothing of the sort. And wealth and poverty has far more influence to how cultures develop than mere skin color. Israel and China both excelled due to the injection of investment and education. And by the way, there are contributions of black people in the field of space. There's even a movie recently made to help you on that in case you don't want to read. It's not wholly accurate but nothing you can't check out.

[@lorcanzo2498]

@@questworldmatrixOf course wealth has a massive part, no one is denying that. In fact Akala himself is someone who continuously preaches that

[@riva2003]

What a brilliant speaker! I dig his responds to Chinese investment in Jamaica the most

[@k.m.jordan4774]

You're brilliant, inspiring, sweet, so engaging and easy to listen and learn from. Thank you!

[@dj2x21]

Deserves more views

[@ItsaColdWorl]

Amazing guy.

[@michel3691]

I am excessively impressed with this young man. How can anyone deny the improvement in the humanity of our youth if even a small majority are similar to him. He has far surpassed the humanity of the previous generation.

[@thecrimsonbubbles]

"excessive melanin syndrome" title for the next book right there!

[@NIKIMBO]

Akala's wealth of knowledge and ability breakdown scenarios is a marvel. Great segment 👍🏿👏🏿🌏

[@BalanceJustice679]

RESPECT MY BROTHER WITH MUCH JUSTICE💕💕💕💕

[@franciscovigario2424]

Much respect from Portugal Keep it up👏👏

[@raizesnamusicaraizes6373]

Francisco Vigário somos dois 😉

[@irish955]

Akala respect my brother your well respected here in Ireland

[@stoin29]

The man knows his history, impressive stuff. Very informative too, it's a shame a lot of what he discusses is not generally known to the general British public.

[@eddierocksteady5740]

Akala an intellectual rapstar, is an intensely lucid dot connector that breakdowns seemingly unconnectable dots. NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL IN A HEAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN BALANCED WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART. [phone] WhatsApp only #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020

[@Debzxx]

A bridge over a massive gap. He articulates his perception and understanding of society so well.. So glad he shares his knowledge. .. To really know and understand where you are coming from. Eyes open so wide... His-story, politics, society and economics all on a broad scale, with relatable examples referencing various countries across the world. Everyone should get the opportunity to listen to a talk by him. Not just young people need to hear what his saying. Thank you for sharing

[@eddierocksteady5740]

Akala is Brilliant, constant and Relevant. His is an intellectual rapstar, is an intensely lucid dot connector that breakdowns seemingly unconnectable dots. Books made a complete difference- "Winnie Mandela " pan Africanism Saturday school. NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL IN A HEAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN BALANCED WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART. [phone] WhatsApp only #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020

[@Debzxx]

@@eddierocksteady5740 I would really like for him to go into politics. I would support him all the way. He has an Honorary degree from Oxford university now too.

[@ja-uk5264]

Akala this is a masterpiece thanks for all the knowledge. I learn more from you and Mutabaruka then I learn in school. Thanks for the power mate.🇯🇲👌🏿✊🏿✌🏿

[@alexojideagu]

I was born in 1980 mixed race half Nigerian and I literally never faced any of these problems. It helps I was born in East London which was multi racial. But my entire white family was completely welcoming and normal. No racism at all even from Grand Parents. I was never called a Nigger at school etc in my life. My parents married etc

[@eddierocksteady5740]

Akala is an intensely lucid dot connector that breakdowns seemingly unconnected dots. NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL IN A HEAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN BALANCED WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART. Yours could be an exception and perhaps a privilege too. #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020

[@alexojideagu]

@@eddierocksteady5740 And his might be an exception exaggerating life from his experience. Coming from a broken home with a racist grandfather and unlucky to meet racist people. He talks like mixed people were all racially abused everywhere we went which is nonsense unless you lived in completely white and towns cities. I'd say Asians got a lot more abuse.

[@rahulsmishra]

@Eddie Rocksteady And you could be exaggerating your experience, right? I mean you seem to think he is doing it so same is possible in your case, correct?

[@francispowell1811]

So, if you concede that Asians had it worse than Afro-Caribbean nationals, aren't you implicitly arguing against your claim that Akala's experience was perhaps the exception?

[@buckt8831]

When he was talking about Cuba and that a country may want to actually have humanitarian goals at its core, I was getting shivers of hope. Exciting to listen to him speak!

[@Superb_virg]

Big up Akala! amazing guy. Funny how there's quite a few dislikes but hardly any negative comments. I guess all the ppl dislike him/what he said can't comment on why!

[@andrewjoyner4133]

'cause he is a race bating prick.

[@eastsideresident5814]

@@andrewjoyner4133 explain why

[@Bigg_C-Nile1]

@@andrewjoyner4133 awww butthurt?

[@andrewjoyner4133]

@@Bigg_C-Nile1 Why would I be butthurt? 'cause I don't agree with him most of the time? Stop being dumb.

[@Bigg_C-Nile1]

@@andrewjoyner4133 so youre just quick with the weak attempted insults huh? You DONT agree with him, yet here you are clicking ON & commenting on videos OF him? Hmm people i DONT agree with i dont waste time watching listening to let alone commenting on. Says ALOT about YOU

[@sholaebofin6090]

Thank you Akala 👑

[@muzikman2467]

When is he touring Canada ?l will be bringing my 7 year old daughter

[@klarkewang]

The good part of the west is he can speak in this way about China. The sad part of the west is that no chance for his words go into the ruling class, let alone the stupid mass

[@makila7715]

Just discovered him yesterday....brilliant! Given the current Black Lives Matter revolution, his input is sorely needed in the US. I also think his views on China are bang on. Inspiring individual.

[@eddierocksteady5740]

Akala is an intensely lucid dot connector that breakdowns seemingly unconnected dots. NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL IN A HEAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN BALANCED WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART. #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020

[@redstrat1234]

Fascinating interview - learned a lot

[@mona9364]

Beautiful content thank you

[@benjaminely2968]

Gospel equal mixed multitude equal Creator created creation of the perfect image of Negods of the world equal I am a Negod because Adam named all the animals with God

[@topgurl9313]

Even though he gets recognition, I feel like he's wasted on us. Great guy.

[@xamdaxamda]

thank you for putting in words what i was thinking

[@DjehutiTV]

He definitely could be on an even larger platform...

[@howard49]

Just a thought on China. They experienced Europe, US etc occupation yet was never colonised. They know what it feels like and want to help others rise up. The people who criticise China is mostly those countries that exploited it and now are fearful and resentful about the role they are playing in the world. By criticising and blaming it's playing the old game of divide and rule.

[@myeyeshurt1877]

And yet; Mao Zedong, a Chinaman - murdered more people than anyone else in known history.

[@Giggles50]

I think you need to do more research on the Chinese. They are just as racist as Britain. I think its natural to view them with suspicion. Obviously we cannot characterize a whole set of people as racist, but judging from the media so far I am not impressed. Check out the issues of Education and how the Chinese don't want other minorities in schools in NYC for example. I think we need to make sure all races are given a fair shot and we know historically and presently they are not, especially black people.

[@OLAODUS-cs5sl]

My eyes hurt...Research the King of Belgium killings in the Congo before spouting rubbish.....

[@myeyeshurt1877]

@@OLAODUS-cs5sl Yes I am aware of him as he was one of the most notoriously evil people, yet he pales in comparison to Mao Zedong.

[@JohnSmith-su3ze]

Mao murdered 60 million people, but you never hear Leftists complain

[@user-qe6xt4yg2f]

I love Akala. So natural. Super intelligent.

[@MadeInBelize]

I absolutely enjoy listening to this young man. Such a wealth of knowlege. Much appreciated.

[@MegaAtOh]

the mistake we make is to associate.and assume we get "freedoms and freedom of speech" because of democracy.when actually.the opposite is correct

[@shinebrightlikeadiamond6411]

Honestly what he says about he Chinese is so true. We have lots of land on Jamaica and it's the Chinese that are buying the land up, and most of our people are working on the land. So as much as we don't like it, some Chinese are giving our people work.

[@sawtoothiandi]

i've always thought language here can be deceptive. the jamaicans, workers, are giving their work, and getting money in exchange for their labour. the chinese in this instance are not giving work, they are receiving it.

[@leon6777]

@@sawtoothiandi that's a gripe with the system of capitalism and not the Chinese specifically

[@sawtoothiandi]

@@leon6777 correct

[@revivedsoul1099]

Akala is a gem to the political and historical sphere. He wise and witty. He probably the most articulate person i have seen, many say that too, but what i think is most noticable with Akala, is not him being articulate but he also have a great memory, a memory of detail aswell. He can just outlay names, times, situations, stats at the get go. He is very smart, and rare to see lately. Hik being mixed, consider himself black, is a nice siatiuation to. He is role a model for ous who havent gotten the nicest and fairest coverage, He is inspirational. Beacon of hope, and we should spread it further. He critical thinks, very smart, open minded and witty. I dont know how he does it, and would love for him to be mentor (bet man would). Akala is great, and wish him noting but the best. May he keep speaking truth and knowledge.

[@Alchemy4life7]

Super smart! Awesome stuff

[@KillahManjaro]

Great post. Akala always bring the noise.

[@MrSalvia18]

Amazing Bhut, Diolch thank you Akala for sharing you're story

[@MrSalvia18]

We are like droplets of water in an ocean of consciousness; individual to an extent, but those droplets together make up the ocean -- without the droplets there is no ocean. It is the same with this infinite energy mind we call creation/god. We are not part of that infinity -- we are that infinity if we open ourselves up to reconnect with it. Wherever you stand in infinity, you are at the center of infinity. So everything that exists is everything that exists. I am everything that exists; and so are you -- the more you realize that, the more you open up to the full infinity of who you are.

[@jaanzabezee6106]

There are many things I can relate to in regards to being mixed ethnic growing up in the 80's. Pakistani father and a Italian mother. Would like to meet this brother and Lowkey. Have a coffee and a chat. Would be interesting

[@fullmetalprism5249]

Jaanzabe Zee can I tag along 😁

[@matthewakorly1278]

Brilliant i love your history teachings still learning from you bro.....🙏🌈❤👍👍

[@allbydesighn]

Knowledge holds the opportunity to possess empowerment

[@garymorgan3314]

Bacon said it pithily, “knowledge is power.”

[@moujibarrahman]

There is some videos i watch on youtube now and then, most likely (lectures,seminars,or talk events like this one ) i come to a feeling that i owe some money to the lecturer or the video publisher because of the valuable things i get,...and when ever i watch Akala's talking i feel this way. Much respect AKALA 👊

[@royallineageapparel7879]

As a guy from Detroit,MI in the USA, I can say, thank you Akala

[@rahulkemp8347]

have you read any of the african american criminologists whose works are often overlooked?

[@mackiemob1269]

This guy deserves more credit. Would love him to have his own show and get guests on talking all things current in the world

[@VOLRAK1]

Great vid God bless

[@TheDichotomyofEverything]

Love this guy Akala, I wish him more success & more Life 🙏🏾❤️

[@andrejohnson1488]

Very informative indeed.

[@dorothygriffiths649]

Akala thanks again. I am proud of the fact that your presence on this stage has served to uplift, educate and boast Jamaica's culture before this audience. You're doing exactly what I did when I studied in England in the 1990s. There's always an audience when you least expect it because there is always a situation that causes you to want to use a platform to flush out the ignorance that exists in this euro-centric society.

[@stevosd60]

The opening passage of his book shows how great he is . 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@p.w.7493]

You ROCK Akala!!!💕💯

[@victoriar9728]

the man is brilliant!

[@philcoleman4028]

Absolutely brilliant i only just stumbled across akala today watching another doco lets hope people i n high places listen

[@eddierocksteady5740]

Akala is an intensely lucid dot connector that breakdowns seemingly unconnected dots. NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL IN A HEAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN BALANCED WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART

[@TheMrsnikkisixx]

Still in love with this man and his mind...

[@robbomaenz7874]

I really want to meet this guy

[@michaelkavanagh932]

I love Akala! Brilliant intelligent man

[@sojiadamo5212]

Simply a fantastic and unselfish mind.

[@moneypennyx3327]

We need to hear more from Akala I like listening to him because there is no anger in his voice he explains things really well

[@byculla6]

Such a really interesting man.. Has a terrific ability to look behind the status quo and see the truth.

[@moiramackenzie4025]

Love your message to the world if everyone had your insight the world would be a better place

[@eddierocksteady5740]

Akala an intellectual rapstar, is an intensely lucid dot connector that breakdowns seemingly unconnectable dots. NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL IN A HEAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN BALANCED WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART. [phone] WhatsApp only #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020

[@Chessnubian]

Brilliant young man!

[@spykespark8477]

I can listen to this guy all day long. History 1 0 1

[@sarahreid48]

It's just garbage.

[@pandehunigmg]

Brilliant. Relevant. Insightful. Brutally truthful. Thought provoking.

[@eddierocksteady5740]

Akala is Brilliant, constant and Relevant. His is an intellectual rapstar, is an intensely lucid dot connector that breakdowns seemingly unconnectable dots. Books made a complete difference- "Winnie Mandela " pan Africanism Saturday school. NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL IN A HEAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN BALANCED WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART. [phone] WhatsApp only #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020

[@Skymed2]

I wonder what Akala thinks about China in 2020. What an incredible intelligent guy

[@eddierocksteady5740]

NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL IN A HEAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN BALANCED WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART.

[@JohnSmith-su3ze]

The one million victims in re-education camps won't bother Akala, he only cares that a white person said 'nig nog' in the 70s

[@Nobantu3000]

Wow!

[@eliknowsbest4946]

I met this guy, cool dude

[@swampy1234]

Great speaker!

[@stevencoleman107]

Authentic and genuine. He studied the theory of racism through his life experience. This is a man of understanding.

[@NextSound170]

Go deh Akala.

[@ChavvyCommunist]

Akala is an absolute unit, by which I mean an educational unit.

[@tiddlerz]

when does akala run for office? mayor of london? labour pm?

[@AntonioGarmsci-cy5vt]

Because the office is only powerful if you work for powerful people.

[@gacalos123]

Don't make him corrupt.. because he will be corrupt if he ran.

[@patrickholt2270]

He doesn't support any of the parties. He's an independent socialist. And anyway, sometimes you can get more done from the sidelines, if you have a significant platform, as an activist and a public voice. Political parties have a way of binding people's tongues, saying you can't say this or that, in case it would be bad for their image or clash with their policy.

[@blanco7726]

You dont need to be a politician to spread knowledge

[@gregorywynn9504]

WITHOUT DOUBT HIS INTELLIGENCE IS NEEDED IN THE WORLD THE COLOR OF ONES SKIN PROVES YOU WRONG

[@kyrokyro2343]

Girls go Crazy Over this dude...truss mi .. a real Rock STAR.

[@sugartem1]

“Same people just born before their time” Akela is one of them!!

[@presbiteroeliasquintanilha3219]

Clever guy 👏🏿👏🏿

[@lorebay2593]

Smart, fine, and has a bit of humility too, it’s alright bro to “let others” speak well of you (as the word says in Proverbs).

[@derrickfinlayson3184]

Akala’s knowledge and delivery is excellent. His Scottish grandad told him of the Scottish inventions. I’m sure Akala knows that Scotland gained massively from the free labour of American and Caribbean black slaves. The Ku Klux Klan was a formation of the Scots in America. The modern inventions of the Scots was facilitated and enabled by the wealth and first world status afforded by African slavery in the diaspora. As with England, the wealthier the society became, people of learning could devote themselves to higher learning and subsequent inventions, without the burden of earning a living.

[@hybridhazza]

I literally came when she said he'd written his first book

[@kevintwine2315]

I love hearing the GOAT talk

[@kainskolia69]

I love this bit : 00:26:20

[@richardcooke7909]

Intelligence and nuance is a compelling combination. The people of the UK must use his talent, charisma and leadership to whatever extent that they can......don’t waste the opportunity.

[@tcwd1068]

I can listen to Akala all day! He explains everything clearly and it is wonderful to listen to someone who actually knows FACTS. This is not an opinion, it is Factual!

[@EA-rc6xc]

I'm trying to get more people to listen to him in America .

[@K_-_-_-_K]

how did i miss this? fuck

[@fojaff5772]

Big respect akala

[@dreamer2260]

Akala is excellent. Just absolutely excellent. All power to him.