Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason: To Be Young, Gifted and Black

From the mother of an extraordinary family, comes an extraordinary book, where author Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason asks what it means - and how it feels - to grow up as a Black artist today.

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. But the subsequent online abuse that Isata experienced brought into question how you prepare your child for the fact that no matter their talent, technique or dedication, they will be told they do not belong?

In this conversation, Kadiatu explores her family’s journey and what it’s like to come of age in these turbulent times, when Black artistic self-expression is so often met with abuse online – and offers a hopeful, powerful way through. As well as being an author and former lecturer, Kadiatu has won numerous accolades and awards including a Lifetime Award for Contribution to Children’s Arts at the 2018 J.M. Barrie Awards, She was also made an Honorary Fellowship of The Royal Academy of Music in 2022.

‘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

Part of a series of exciting events taking place throughout 2025 to celebrate the University of Warwick's landmark 60th Anniversary.