Musical Truth
A Musical Journey through Modern Black Britain
Winner Accelerated Reader Quiz Writers’ Choice Secondary Non–Fiction Award
Winner UKLA Information Books 3- 14+
Buffalo Stance by Neneh Cherry. Vossi Bop by Stormzy. Pass the Dutchie by Musical Youth…
Music can carry the stories of history like a message in a bottle. Lord Kitchener, Neneh Cherry, Smiley Culture, Stormzy . . . Groundbreaking musicians whose songs have changed the world. But how? This exhilarating playlist tracks some of the key shifts in modern British history, and explores the emotional impact of 28 songs and the artists who performed them.
This book redefines British history, the Empire and postcolonialism, and will invite you to think again about the narratives and key moments in history that you have been taught up to now. Thrilling, urgent, entertaining and thought-provoking, this beautifully illustrated companion to modern black music is a revelation and a delight.
Published by Faber Children’s in hardback in June 2021 and in paperback in April 2022.
To listen to the playlist and watch exclusive content, visit Musical Truth Playlist.
We offer school sessions for students and sessions for companies on the themes explored in Musical Truth. More information.
Access Musical Truth teaching resources here.
Jeffrey joined Book Trust for a virtual author event in 2023. You can watch it here.
Praise for Musical Truth
‘Engaging and accomplished… perfectly judged for young readers.’ The Guardian
‘It’s not just a vital book, but a killer playlist too.’ The Sunday Times
‘Clever and accessible.’ Patrice Lawrence, Author
‘Thorough and inspiring… Not just essential reading for older children and teens (and adults!) but essential listening too.’ BookTrust
‘I loved it. Took my down yesteryear.’ Alex Wheatle, author
‘A powerful and very entertaining read.’ Nels Abbey, author
‘Boakye is a special talent and Musical Truth is a special book… [it] deserves to be read widely.’ Books for Keeps
‘Boakye’s captivating and deeply insightful book explores the key moments in Black history through twenty-eight powerful songs from ground-breaking musicians, from Lord Kitchener to Stormzy.’ Waterstones
“A captivating history which ties together music, black history, family, growing up, politics and inequality with panache, humour, and at times brutal honesty. It’s an extraordinary read which made our hearts sing.” ALCS Educational Writers Award judges
Accolades
Winner of The Quiz writer’s Choice Awards 2023, Secondary Non-Fiction
Winner UKLA Information Books 3- 14+
Runner up in the ALCS Educational Writers Award 2023
Shortlisted for the Jhalak Prize 2022
Longlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2022
A The Times / The Sunday Times Musical Book of the Year