Home Literature & Poetry State of the Nation
Step into an unflinching night of truth, history and hope with one of Britain’s most formidable voices, Akala.
Step into an unflinching night of truth, history and hope with one of Britain’s most formidable voices, Akala.
A BAFTA / MOBO award-winning hip-hop artist, best-selling author, historian and social entrepreneur, Akala has garnered a reputation for deftly unpacking the forces that shape modern British culture and politics.
Bringing together razor-sharp intellect, street-hardened honesty, and lyrical prowess, he will discuss the landscape at this critical inflection point—a Britain still haunted by colonial legacy, structural inequality and class divisions, but is it also a Britain capable of awakening, reimagining and real social change?
Drawing from his No.2 Sunday Times bestselling book Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire, his renowned musical, broadcast, academic and international cultural exchanges, Akala promises an evening of hard-hitting insights, deeply felt stories, sharp analysis and urgent calls for solidarity.
Featuring special guests—join us for an evening for the curious, sceptical or determined mind...this event promises to be an immersive exploration of the current State of The Nation.
Akala will be joined by Misan Harriman in London, Darren McGarvey, Aamer Anwar, & Mhairi Black in Glasgow, Lowkey in Brighton, David Olusoga in Bristol, Kelechi Okafor in Birmingham, and The Scouse Oracle in Salford.
1hr 30 min (inc. 20 min interval)
12+
All access information can be found via our page here.
Tuesday
Apr 2026
State of the Nation An Evening with Akala
chair Live at 19:30
Friday
Apr 2026
State of the Nation An Evening with Akala
chair Live at 20:00
Sunday
Apr 2026
State of the Nation An Evening with Akala
chair Live at 19:30
Monday
Apr 2026
State of the Nation An Evening with Akala
chair Live at 19:30
Tuesday
Apr 2026
State of the Nation An Evening with Akala
chair Live at 19:30
Monday
Apr 2026
State of the Nation An Evening with Akala
chair Live at 19:30
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