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Black, African Brits are one of the UK’s fastest growing communities. In the last census 1.5 million people said they were Black, African and British – that’s more than twice as many as the Black Caribbean community.

Whether it’s Kwasi Kwarteng and Kemi Badenoch on the front benches of British government, Stormzy headlining Glastonbury, resurgent congregations in Britain’s churches or the stories of entrepreneurs – the impact of Black African Brits cannot be missed.

Over four episodes British Nigerian broadcaster Jumoké Fashola travels the country to ask what it means to be Black, African and British and to explore how African migration is shaping politics, faith, business and culture today.

Episode 1: Black, African and British in Politics

September 2022 was a historic moment in British politics. For the first time, two of the great offices of state - Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer were held by the children of African immigrants. Today, British Nigerian Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch is widely tipped to be a future party leader and even potential Prime Minister.

When British Nigerian broadcaster Jumoké Fashola was a child such a moment seemed almost impossible as Black people faced racism and a lack of political representation.

Jumoké explores how that’s changed and what it means to be Black, African and British in politics today through the stories of three politicians.

Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy speaks to Jumoké about the legacies of colonialism and how her campaign for reparations drives her politics.

Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye shares how his conservative values were defined by his Nigerian upbringing.

Green Party Councillor Mohamed Makawi takes Jumoké on a tour of his Bristol ward and reveals why he is passionate about having an impact on his local community.

Political scientist Dr Michael Bankole explains the impact that African migration, social conservatism and religion may have on future politics

You can join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #BlackAfricanBritish

Produced by Mugabi Turya

Picture of Jumoké Fashola. Credit: Dan Fearon

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