Luke Pepera, writer, historian and anthropologist, has travelled through 500,000 years of African history to connect with his heritage. Pepera tackles the questions that are always asked, but seldom understood: Who are we? Where do we come from? Would a deeper knowledge affect our understanding?

This ground-breaking exploration of African culture and identity illuminates the subject, providing some much-needed answers. Taking a long look at an impressive array of all aspects of African heritage, Pepera introduces us to a host of characters including Mansa Musa, the wealthiest man who ever lived, Queen Amanirenas, who defeated the Romans, through to Kool Moe Dee, who pioneered the rap battle, and Dexter Bristol, a member of the Windrush generation.

At the heart of this fascinating spread, we discover Pepera himself as he explores his own Ghanaian family history.

‘Absolutely riveting’

Olivette Otele, author of African Europeans