Picture a British-Nigerian storyteller who’s redefined romance with a feminist twist—meet Bolu Babalola! A self-proclaimed ‘romcomoisseur,’ she’s captured hearts with her vibrant retellings of global love stories. Her debut, Love in Colour, became a Sunday Times bestseller, blending myth, culture, and empowered women to create something truly magical. Ready to dive into her world?
From viral Twitter moments to literary stardom, Babalola’s journey is as dynamic as her characters. With a law degree she calls ‘misleading’ and a master’s in Beyoncé’s Lemonade (yes, really!), she’s a unique voice in contemporary romance, celebrated on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for her impact.
The Making of Bolu Babalola
Born on February 24, 1991, in Southwark, London, to Nigerian Yoruba parents, Bolu Babalola grew up in East London, steeped in stories and culture. She studied law at the University of Reading, graduating in 2012, before earning a Master’s in American Politics and History from University College London in 2018. Her thesis on Beyoncé’s Lemonade earned a distinction, showcasing her knack for blending pop culture with sharp analysis. Early in her career, she worked as an assistant writer and producer for BBC Comedy, contributing to shows like The Javone Prince Show. A viral 2018 tweet joking about a ‘holiday romance’ with Michael B. Jordan skyrocketed her online presence, highlighting her humor and community-building prowess.
Bolu Babalola’s Unforgettable Stories
Babalola’s writing is a love letter to romance, infused with wit, cultural depth, and empowered women. Her debut, Love in Colour (2020), is a collection of short stories that reimagines love tales from West Africa, Greece, and beyond. By centering Black women and emphasizing consent, she decolonizes traditional tropes, creating vibrant, joyful narratives. The book, a Sunday Times bestseller, was praised by authors like Candice Carty-Williams and featured on BBC2’s Between the Covers.
Her 2022 novel, Honey & Spice, a Reese’s Book Club pick, is a collegiate rom-com set in an Afro-Caribbean university society. Following Kiki Banjo, a sharp-tongued radio host navigating love and heartbreak, it’s packed with banter, Black British culture, and R&B vibes. Critics lauded its humor and rich characterizations, with Oprah Daily calling it a ‘swoony coming-of-age tale.’ Babalola also created and wrote Big Age (2021), a Channel 4 comedy series, showcasing her versatility across mediums.
Her upcoming novel, Sweet Heat (2025), promises more of her signature mix: sexy, heartfelt romance with Kiki Banjo returning to tackle love and chaos. Babalola’s style—lyrical, pop-culture-infused, and unapologetically Black—makes her stories resonate globally, blending humor with profound insights on love and identity.
Why Bolu Babalola Matters
Babalola’s work is a cultural force, amplifying Black women’s voices in a genre often dominated by white narratives. By reworking myths to prioritize agency and joy, she challenges outdated stereotypes, offering readers hope and representation. Her influence extends beyond books—she’s a World Literacy Foundation ambassador, advocating for children’s access to stories. Her ability to weave diasporic reverence with universal themes has cemented her as a cornerstone of modern romance, inspiring a new generation of writers and readers.
- Born: February 24, 1991, Southwark, London
- Key Works: Love in Colour (2020), Honey & Spice (2022), Sweet Heat (2025)
- Awards: Forbes 30 Under 30 (2021), TikTok Book of the Year for Honey & Spice
Snag Love in Colour or Honey & Spice and dive into Bolu Babalola’s irresistible world of romance, where love is bold, messy, and oh-so-magical!