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.
Пікірлер: 533
he is intensely lucid, his mind never misses a beat or a syllable.
@TempleOfOrmes
4 жыл бұрын
extremely ‘Illuminated” : Nothing More Beautiful especially when balanced with a beautiful Heart.
@liambradley6718
4 жыл бұрын
He doesn't in his rap so why would he slip up when he talks lol
@omobanedonaija6966
4 жыл бұрын
He is soooo intelligent and so knowledgeable of his cultures. Wow.
@viyye
11 күн бұрын
Intensely!!
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
3 жыл бұрын
😁😁😁you're exaggerated...
@sarahreid48
Жыл бұрын
Oh dear - he is seriously misinformed
@Make_Boxing_Great_Again
Жыл бұрын
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
Жыл бұрын
@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
Жыл бұрын
@@sarahreid48 he is a cocky fellow.he needs to polish up his speech.
i could listen to this guy all day every day
@ayayyay
5 жыл бұрын
BRANDON WATKINS FROM LONDON UK Probably because you’re thick.
@brandonfromlondonuk3484
5 жыл бұрын
@@ayayyay YOUR 100% CORRECT
@resilienceofagypsy3998
5 жыл бұрын
Moor Wakanda they don’t though...
@resilienceofagypsy3998
5 жыл бұрын
Moor Wakanda that’s absolute nonsense though and you know it
@NextSound170
5 жыл бұрын
I hope uneducated Europeans who like to think they're smarter than everyone watch and listen and learn
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.
Nothing but respect for Akala 👊
Not a plug but for those who struggle to read, as i do, this book is on Audible. Read by Akala
@tayosekoni308
5 жыл бұрын
Shiny Hunter R P thanks going to get it
@psychedelicpegasus7587
5 жыл бұрын
Cheers for spreading this. I had it on my wish list for a good few months and just bought it yesterday.
@heathercampbell1560
4 жыл бұрын
Got it. Thanks
@haza123b4
4 жыл бұрын
*or go back to nursery / kindergarden*
@chrisgitaka2553
4 жыл бұрын
Certainly not a but plug🤟 i will get my coat...
Listening to Akala makes me painfully aware of my own shortcoming and ignorance. What a wonderful speaker!
@dimitrijackson5765
5 жыл бұрын
Indeed; He as We here in America say.... Dropped Science!!!!
@daphcarballo3778
4 жыл бұрын
P
@arkautomotive1862
4 жыл бұрын
He would not want you to feel that way.
@maxmaxwell5800
3 жыл бұрын
@@daphcarballo3778 . M . .. ..... ........ .. . .. .......... . . . . ... ..................................... . .... . . .. . ..,.. . ]0yuijury
@josh0g
3 жыл бұрын
Definitely was part of my push to start reading more.
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.
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
3 жыл бұрын
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
3 жыл бұрын
@@bakeyardpatties what does poor mean to you?
@wanaraz
3 жыл бұрын
Every Conservative has been doing that their whole lives.
@whatname4613
Жыл бұрын
@@wanaraz b.s.
@wanaraz
Жыл бұрын
@@whatname4613 conservatism means caring.
He needs a podcast
@frakasha24
5 жыл бұрын
Yesssssssss, I would love that
@15queenslanddrive
5 жыл бұрын
ShizukaRose yea a podchanel
@MegaDiva1999
4 жыл бұрын
or a whole nation to run
@jonathanhatfield1237
4 жыл бұрын
He needs to be deported he's racist as fukk
@jonathanhatfield1237
4 жыл бұрын
6 comments not very wow his podcast would suck lol
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
4 жыл бұрын
Sure that makes sense. People should aspire to be a don. I’m glad you don’t have any kind of influence.
@birdyelke775
3 жыл бұрын
A Don!!! The guy's a civil servant, not a mafia...🤣😂🤣
@lorcanzo2498
Жыл бұрын
@@Make_Boxing_Great_Again😐
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.
0 dislikes, of course. What a gem! How lucky am I to have found Akala? Spiritual overload. I love you Akala
@questworldmatrix
5 жыл бұрын
@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
Жыл бұрын
@@questworldmatrixOf course wealth has a massive part, no one is denying that. In fact Akala himself is someone who continuously preaches that
More young men need to learn how to tell stories like he does.
You're brilliant, inspiring, sweet, so engaging and easy to listen and learn from. Thank you!
He deserves an award and his own television show...
Still re-watching this... Protect Akala at all costs🙏🥰
@NateDogg8870
4 жыл бұрын
Agree! It's very hard to find intellectuals of his ilk that haven't been assassinated.
A very important man for the modern times. Amazing.
@jonathanhatfield1237
4 жыл бұрын
An idiot
@thelaurels13
4 жыл бұрын
Jonathan Hatfield An idiot? How? You wouldn’t last 20 seconds in a debate with him. Mr cocky internet fat boy!
@welshdruid1957
3 жыл бұрын
@@jonathanhatfield1237 We know who the real idiot is! What is your problem with rational thinking?
@HarryFlowerrs
3 жыл бұрын
@@jonathanhatfield1237He’s obviously not for you as you’re clearly hard of thinking!🤡
Brotha akala is very deep i love listening to him
Watching from Nigeria. Akala is a great mind. Why did I only recently discover him?
"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
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.
What a brilliant speaker! I dig his responds to Chinese investment in Jamaica the most
Always very engaging and informative listening to Akala. And I loved his book. An essential read.
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
4 жыл бұрын
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. +34612468132 WhatsApp only #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020
@Debzxx
4 жыл бұрын
@@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.
"excessive melanin syndrome" title for the next book right there!
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.🇯🇲👌🏿✊🏿✌🏿
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
4 жыл бұрын
'cause he is a race bating prick.
@eastsideresident5814
4 жыл бұрын
@@andrewjoyner4133 explain why
@Bigg_C-Nile1
4 жыл бұрын
@@andrewjoyner4133 awww butthurt?
@andrewjoyner4133
4 жыл бұрын
@@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
4 жыл бұрын
@@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
Deserves more views
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
4 жыл бұрын
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. +34612468132 WhatsApp only #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020
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!
Akala's wealth of knowledge and ability breakdown scenarios is a marvel. Great segment 👍🏿👏🏿🌏
RESPECT MY BROTHER WITH MUCH JUSTICE💕💕💕💕
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
4 жыл бұрын
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
Much respect from Portugal Keep it up👏👏
@raizesnamusicaraizes6373
5 жыл бұрын
Francisco Vigário somos dois 😉
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
4 жыл бұрын
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
4 жыл бұрын
@@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
3 жыл бұрын
@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
Жыл бұрын
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?
Akala respect my brother your well respected here in Ireland
Amazing guy.
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.
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.
Even though he gets recognition, I feel like he's wasted on us. Great guy.
@xamdaxamda
4 жыл бұрын
thank you for putting in words what i was thinking
@DjehutiTV
3 жыл бұрын
He definitely could be on an even larger platform...
Amazing Bhut, Diolch thank you Akala for sharing you're story
When is he touring Canada ?l will be bringing my 7 year old daughter
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
I absolutely enjoy listening to this young man. Such a wealth of knowlege. Much appreciated.
I love Akala. So natural. Super intelligent.
Beautiful content thank you
@benjaminely2968
5 жыл бұрын
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
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
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
4 жыл бұрын
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
4 жыл бұрын
@@sawtoothiandi that's a gripe with the system of capitalism and not the Chinese specifically
@sawtoothiandi
4 жыл бұрын
@@leon6777 correct
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
5 жыл бұрын
And yet; Mao Zedong, a Chinaman - murdered more people than anyone else in known history.
@Giggles50
5 жыл бұрын
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
5 жыл бұрын
My eyes hurt...Research the King of Belgium killings in the Congo before spouting rubbish.....
@myeyeshurt1877
5 жыл бұрын
@@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
3 жыл бұрын
Mao murdered 60 million people, but you never hear Leftists complain
when does akala run for office? mayor of london? labour pm?
@AntonioGarmsci-cy5vt
5 жыл бұрын
Because the office is only powerful if you work for powerful people.
@gacalos123
5 жыл бұрын
Don't make him corrupt.. because he will be corrupt if he ran.
@patrickholt2270
5 жыл бұрын
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
5 жыл бұрын
You dont need to be a politician to spread knowledge
@gregorywynn9504
4 жыл бұрын
WITHOUT DOUBT HIS INTELLIGENCE IS NEEDED IN THE WORLD THE COLOR OF ONES SKIN PROVES YOU WRONG
Thank you Akala 👑
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.
Knowledge holds the opportunity to possess empowerment
@garymorgan3314
4 жыл бұрын
Bacon said it pithily, “knowledge is power.”
This guy deserves more credit. Would love him to have his own show and get guests on talking all things current in the world
As a guy from Detroit,MI in the USA, I can say, thank you Akala
@rahulkemp8347
5 жыл бұрын
have you read any of the african american criminologists whose works are often overlooked?
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
4 жыл бұрын
Jaanzabe Zee can I tag along 😁
Great post. Akala always bring the noise.
Fascinating interview - learned a lot
The opening passage of his book shows how great he is . 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
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!
Akala is an absolute unit, by which I mean an educational unit.
Brilliant i love your history teachings still learning from you bro.....🙏🌈❤👍👍
I wonder what Akala thinks about China in 2020. What an incredible intelligent guy
@eddierocksteady5740
4 жыл бұрын
NOTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL IN A HEAD, ESPECIALLY WHEN BALANCED WITH A BEAUTIFUL HEART.
@JohnSmith-su3ze
3 жыл бұрын
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
Such a really interesting man.. Has a terrific ability to look behind the status quo and see the truth.
Simply a fantastic and unselfish mind.
I can listen to this guy all day long. History 1 0 1
@sarahreid48
Жыл бұрын
It's just garbage.
Super smart! Awesome stuff
I love Akala! Brilliant intelligent man
Brilliant. Relevant. Insightful. Brutally truthful. Thought provoking.
@eddierocksteady5740
4 жыл бұрын
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. +34612468132 WhatsApp only #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020
the man is brilliant!
Absolutely brilliant i only just stumbled across akala today watching another doco lets hope people i n high places listen
@eddierocksteady5740
4 жыл бұрын
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
You ROCK Akala!!!💕💯
12 dislike we all know who they're
@kacchank8696
5 жыл бұрын
Yh black guy with sense
@gushutchinson8758
3 жыл бұрын
I doubt you do...there's likely a spectrum ...from pretty smart to Einstein's level, and all the wise ones inbetween. I find him thick ,race baiting and pompous . WHY pay him a penny? Reparations for white slaves sold in African slave markets? Was going long before the Trans Atlantic black slavery .
@JohnSmith-su3ze
3 жыл бұрын
@@gushutchinson8758 It blows my mind how people are taken in by this complete charlatan. Akala literally has the most unoriginal cliched things to say that one could imagine. It's just bog standard KKK level race-baiting designed to further the Communist agenda to divide our culture and fatten his pockets while doing so. Talk about a grift! Thomas Sowell has more intellect in his little finger than Akala could ever have.
“Same people just born before their time” Akela is one of them!!
Love this guy Akala, I wish him more success & more Life 🙏🏾❤️
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.
Love your message to the world if everyone had your insight the world would be a better place
@eddierocksteady5740
4 жыл бұрын
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. +34612468132 WhatsApp only #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020
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.
Go deh Akala.
I really want to meet this guy
I always find it funny when people tell me to go back to my country. My ancestors have technically been British for 200-400 years, as my country is one of the fist British colonies and is still one to this day.
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).
Authentic and genuine. He studied the theory of racism through his life experience. This is a man of understanding.
Girls go Crazy Over this dude...truss mi .. a real Rock STAR.
This young lady clearly suffers from anxiety, but she did a fantastic job.
Akala is excellent. Just absolutely excellent. All power to him.
I love hearing the GOAT talk
I met this guy, cool dude
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 👊
I literally came when she said he'd written his first book
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
I grew up in the 70's and I always thought that racism got better in the 80's. Still not there yet but it's only a matter of time given the direction we are heading.
To my dismay, Jamaica is still owned by Britain, the governor general is still the Queen's representative and she has to approve his selection. The mace representing the queen still has to be in parliament, the police force and military are still subject to the Queen. It was only in the late 80s early 90s that our high school exams stoping coming to Britain to be marked. I did A Levels in 1989 and my papers were marked in Britain. Are we independent? Noooooo!
@eddierocksteady5740
4 жыл бұрын
Nooo.you are NOT independent, same as Nigeria and many other African countries. 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. +34612468132 WhatsApp only #RadioZeaterclub Aug.2020
Wow!
Brilliant young man!
Bought a copy of the book just now and a copy of his children’s book for my nephew. 👏🏾 Incredible mind. I hope he runs for office, even though something tells me he never will.
Great vid God bless
I'm trying to get more people to listen to him in America .
Still in love with this man and his mind...