Picture a British-Nigerian historian who turned forgotten stories into unforgettable narratives—meet David Olusoga! A BAFTA-winning filmmaker and Professor of Public History, Olusoga has reshaped how we view Britain’s past with his gripping books and documentaries. From his groundbreaking Black and British: A Forgotten History to his heartfelt storytelling, he’s a voice for the overlooked, weaving tales of empire, race, and resilience with clarity and passion.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1970, Olusoga’s journey from a council estate in Gateshead to global acclaim is as inspiring as his work. Facing racism as a child, he found solace in history, sparking a lifelong mission to uncover hidden truths. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable storyteller!
The Making of David Olusoga
David Adetayo Olusoga was born to a Nigerian father and British mother, moving to the UK at age five. Growing up in Gateshead, he faced severe racial harassment, including attacks by the National Front that forced his family to relocate. Despite these challenges, Olusoga’s love for history blossomed. He studied the history of slavery at the University of Liverpool, earning a BA in 1994, followed by a postgraduate course in broadcast journalism at Leeds Trinity University. His early career at the BBC as a researcher and producer set the stage for his rise as a historian and filmmaker.
David Olusoga’s Unforgettable Stories
Olusoga’s work is a vibrant tapestry of historical excavation, blending meticulous research with compelling storytelling. His 2016 book, Black and British: A Forgotten History, is a cornerstone of his legacy. This award-winning work traces the presence of Black people in Britain from Roman times to the present, challenging the myth of a homogenous British past. It won the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize and Longman–History Today Trustees Award, and its accompanying BBC series touched millions.
Other notable works include The World’s War (2014), which highlights the contributions of colonial soldiers in World War I, earning the First World War Book of the Year award, and The Kaiser’s Holocaust (2011), co-authored with Casper Erichsen, exploring Germany’s colonial genocide in Namibia. His BBC series, Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners, won a BAFTA for its unflinching look at Britain’s slave-owning past. Olusoga’s style is accessible yet profound, weaving personal stories with global histories to make the past feel urgently relevant.
In 2024, Olusoga collaborated with siblings Yinka and Kemi on Black History for Every Day of the Year, a daily guide to Black history integrated into mainstream narratives. His documentaries, like A House Through Time and Civilisations (co-presented with Mary Beard and Simon Schama), showcase his knack for making history a shared journey.
Why David Olusoga Matters
Olusoga’s impact is monumental. By centering Black and colonial narratives, he’s challenged Britain to confront its imperial past and embrace a more inclusive identity. His work has inspired a generation to explore their own histories, from house genealogies to global connections. Recognized with an OBE in 2019 and fellowships from the British Academy and Royal Historical Society, Olusoga’s influence extends beyond academia to public discourse, notably in response to the Black Lives Matter movement.
His ability to bridge scholarly rigor with popular media has made history accessible, urgent, and transformative. Olusoga doesn’t just tell stories—he reshapes how we understand ourselves.
About David Olusoga
- Born: January 1970, Lagos, Nigeria
- Key Works: Black and British: A Forgotten History, The World’s War, Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners
- Awards: BAFTA, PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize, Longman–History Today Trustees Award
- Role: Professor of Public History, University of Manchester
Snag Black and British: A Forgotten History and dive into Olusoga’s vivid, truth-telling world! His stories will leave you seeing history—and Britain—in a whole new light.