In the autumn of 2018, we were joined by two prominent and much-respected cultural figures for a special talk as part of our London Literature Festival.

Coming together in a conversation event titles Striking the Empire, were the MOBO award-winning hip-hop artist, poet and activist, Akala, and the historian, writer and broadcaster, David Olusoga.

Chaired by television broadcaster June Sarpong MBE, their timely discussion explores everything from empire and race, to culture and class, as they retrace and contextualise the roots of modern British society.

“Tea is our national drink, but all of the tea is Indian or Sri Lankan; one of the most popular brands of tea is Yorkshire tea. But where in Yorkshire do they grow tea?!” – DAVID OLUSOGA

Listen to them dissect the making and unmaking of civilisations and cultures, in this podcast recording from the event here