An impassioned defence of Black excellence in the arts. What does it mean – and how does it
feel – to grow up as a Black artist today? ‘This exceptional book written with a mother’s
love for her seven creative children sensitively offers profound and original insights and
perspectives that enrich our culture. I feel so much wiser for reading it . ’ Bernardine
Evaristo When Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason’s eldest daughter Isata made her solo debut at the BBC
Proms in 2023 she could not have been prouder. Watching years of hard work transform into a
transcendent performance was profoundly moving both as music-lover and parent. All fractured
when her younger daughter turned to her in tears a few days later having read online abuse
about her sister. Isata it was declared did not deserve to be there. How do you prepare your
child for the fact that no matter their talent technique or dedication they will be told they
do not belong? Through conversations with her extraordinarily gifted family Kanneh-Mason
explores what it’s like to come of age in these turbulent times when Black artistic
self-expression is so often met with disparagement and abuse online – and offers a hopeful
powerful way through.
