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.

eBook - ePub
To Be Young, Gifted and Black
Longlisted for the 2026 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
To Be Young, Gifted and Black
Longlisted for the 2026 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction
About this book
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Information
Subtopic
Classical MusicTable of contents
- Cover
- Title
- Contents
- Dedication
- Author’s Note
- One: Telling Our Stories
- Two: Black Identity and Belonging
- Three: Heritage and the Nation
- Four: Creativity and Education
- Five: Social Media and Success
- Six: Hope, Fear and the Future
- Seven: On Grief, Love and Joy
- Acknowledgements
- Notes
- Copyright Page
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Yes, you can access To Be Young, Gifted and Black by Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Media & Performing Arts & Classical Music. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.