'Letters To Gil' By Malik Al Nasir - Published in the UK on the 2nd Sep' 2021.

 

'Letters To Gil'

By 

Malik Al Nasir

‘A searing, triumphant story. A testament to the tenacity of the human spirit as well as a beautiful ode to an iconic figure’. IRENOSEN OKOJIE

'In Letters to Gil, you will be spirited away too, as I have been. You will learn much about Gil Scott-Heron, but it is Malik’s story that transfixes me in its glittering eye'. LEMN SISSAY.

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Published in the UK on the 2nd Sep' 2021 

by the William Collins imprint of HarperCollins.

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Letters to Gil is Malik Al Nasir’s profound coming of age memoir – the story of surviving physical and racial abuse and discovering a new sense of self-worth under the wing of the great artist, poet and civil rights activist Gil Scott-Heron.

Born in Liverpool, Malik was taken into care at the age of nine after his seafaring father became paralysed. He would spend his adolescence in a system that proved violent, neglectful, exploitative, traumatising and mired in abuse. Aged eighteen, he emerged semi-literate, penniless with no connections or sense of where he was going – until a chance meeting with Gil Scott-Heron.

Letters to Gil will tell the story of Malik’s empowerment and awakening while mentored by Gil, from his introduction to the legacy of Black history to the development of his voice through poetry and music. Written with lyricism and power, it is a frank and moving memoir, highlighting how institutional racism can debilitate and disadvantage a child, as well as how mentoring, creativity, self-expression and solidarity helped him to uncover his potential.

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Hard Back

ISBN: 9780008464431

ISBN 10: 000846443X

Imprint: William Collins

On Sale: September 2, 2021

Trimsize: 159x240mm

Pages: 336 pages

List Price: £20.00

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E-Book

ISBN: 9780008464455

ISBN 10: 0008464456

Imprint: William Collins

On Sale: September 2, 2021

Pages: 336 pages

List Price: £11.99

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Audiobook

ISBN: 9780008464462

ISBN 10: 0008464464

Imprint: William Collins

On Sale: September 2, 2021

Pages: 578 minutes

List Price: £12.99

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Malik Al Nasir features in 'Mark Walters in the Footsteps of Andrew Watson' BBC Scotland 25/05/21

 

Mark Walters in the Footsteps of Andrew Watson

Airing on Tuesday 25th of May at 10pm, (BST) watch it live on BBC Scotland or catchup on BBC iplayer.

Mark Walters with Malik Al Nasir at Andrew Watson's grave - 2021.

Mark Walters in the Footsteps of Andrew Watson

From BBC Scotland

"Former Rangers player Mark Walters looks back at his career with the Glasgow club to assess the racism he faced while playing for them. Watching harrowing footage of his early matches, he vividly describes the visceral atmosphere as he was targeted by opposition fans. In a candid conversation with Graeme Souness, the player-manager who brought him to Ibrox, Mark reveals the inner resilience that got him through those tough games and reflects on the role unconscious bias in TV commentary has on how black footballers are perceived today.

Mark also finds out about early black footballing pioneers in Scotland, including an early multiracial football team who played a stone's throw from Ibrox stadium. He unearths the incredible story of Andrew Watson, the world’s first black international player, who captained the Scotland national team in 1881 to its greatest ever win over England. Watson was a complex figure who was both the descendant of slaves and the beneficiary of slavery. Mark asks how Andrew overcame racism to be welcomed into the footballing elite in the 1880s. (BBC Scotland).

On TV

Tuesday22:00

BBC SCOTLAND

My ancestors were both slaves and slave owners' - BBC World Service - Outlook - Mon 28 Sep 2020

'My ancestors were both slaves and slave owners'

BBC World Service - Outlook

Listen to Malik Al Nasir's Interview here...

BB

Malik Al Nasir was casually watching a TV documentary when a face jumped out at him – it was a photograph of the black Victorian football star Andrew Watson. He was stunned at the close resemblance between them and he was determined to find out how they were connected. Little did he know that that journey would lead him from Liverpool to Guyana to discover how his family history was inextricably connected with the international slave trade.

Presenter: Emily Webb

Producer: Wahiba Ahmed

Picture: Malik Al Nasir at the airport in Guyana in 2008

Credit: Abdul Malik Al Nasir

Broadcasts

• 

  Mon 28 Sep 202012:06Local time

  BBC WORLD SERVICE
 
• 

  Mon 28 Sep 202018:06Local time

  BBC WORLD SERVICE EXCEPT EAST AND SOUTHERN AFRICA & WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA
 
• 

  Tue 29 Sep 202003:06Local time

  BBC WORLD SERVICE

Facebook Malik & The O.G's
Twitter - Malik & The O.G's
Instagram - Malik & The O.G's

Malik & The O.G’s Reviews…

Raoul Juneja – NOW Magazine “Through his writing, music and live performances, Malik Al Nasir is continuing the legacy of his late mentor Gil Scott-Heron”

Glyn Akroyd – Bido Lito Magazine (Front cover article)  
“Malik delivers a beautifully lyrical performance, another verse in the extraordinary life of an ordinary guy!”

Paul Lester, The Guardian “In 1984, a chance encounter between Scott-Heron and Al Nasir, then a self-described “illiterate street kid” in Liverpool, led to him taking the 18-year-old under his wing. Today, Al Nasir boasts a master’s degree.”

Michael Edwards – UK Vibe Magazine “St George’s Hall, Liverpool provided an opportunity for Malik to put on a fabulous tribute concert in honour of the great wordsmith, who guided him throughout his formative and adult years.”

Paul Bradshaw - Beyond Chaser "Mentored by both Jalal and the late great Gil Scott-Heron, Malik brought his own poetic life experience to the event and his no nonsense delivery came wrapped in the warm, versatile vocals of Cleveland Watkiss and Chantelle Nandi."

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Reparations For The Slave Trade & The University of Cambridge Slavery Inquiry

BBC Radio Merseyside - 12/05/2019 - Malik Al Nasir Discusses Reparations and the University of Cambridge Slavery Inquiry

Malik Al Nasir

Attending slavery inquiry meeting

Kings College - Cambridge.

The ancient dining hall at

Kings College - Cambridge.

Malik Al Nasir

Up-Front show with Ngunan Adamu

BBC Radio Merseyside 12/05/2019.

Malik Al Nasir discusses Liverpool, slavery and his research findings. - Liverpool Echo - 06/02/2020

Malik Al Nasir with his archive in the Liverpool Echo offices 

(Image: James Maloney/Liverpool Echo)

Sat 16th Nov. 2019
Nationwide Radio, 90 FM - Kingston Jamaica.

Malik Al Nasir Talks To Prof. Verene Shepherd, About Liverpool, Slavery & Sandbach Tinne & Co.

Documents From Malik Al Nasir's Sandbach Tinne Private Archive

Malik Al Nasir tells the story of Sandbach Tinne Liverpool & the Guiana slave & sugar trade.

John Abraham Tinne 

son of founder Phillip Frederick Tinne

Slave owners

William Robertson Sandbach

Slave owner

Samuel Sandbach's - Slave Owners Mansion

Hafodunos Hall Built - 1861

Malik Al Nasir with Prime Minister

Gaston Browne of Antigua, 

presenting about Sandbach Tinne 

to CARICOM Commission for reparations 

for Slavery, Oct 2019.

Talking History Jamaica is an educational radio talk show programme founded in 2010 and hosted by Professor Verene Shepherd on Nationwide Radio, on the 90 FM Band on Saturday Mornings from 9-11AM with Re-broadcasts on Mondays at 8:30PM. 

It is primarily focused on improving the general attitude of the Jamaican public towards local and regional history and culture. However, the programme is specifically tailored to address issues, in content and application, faced by Secondary School History students, preparing for the Caribbean Examination Council's (CXC) CSEC and CAPE examinations. 

The programme can be streamed at its scheduled time online at

http://nationwideradiojm.com/live_player.html

The Revolution Will Be Live! 8th Dec 2019 - The Sage 2 - Gateshead.

Gil Scott-Heron Tribute

The Revolution Will Be Live! 8th Dec 2019 - The Sage 2 - Gateshead.

Ka'ba The Soul Singer  
Sings Gil Scott-Heron

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Malik & The O.G's

Protégé of Gil Scott-Heron

Ka'ba The Soul Singer 
Sings Gil Scott-Heron

Photo: Siobhan Bradshaw

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Malik & The O.G's

Photo: Siobhan Bradshaw

Tickets here

"We celebrate the life and times of Gil Scott-Heron, in the company of his friends and former bandmate -  Rod Youngs. 'The Revolution Will Be Live!' is the critically acclaimed, festival-headlining show, lovingly put together by Gil's protégé spoken word artist and activist Malik Al Nasir.

His band - Malik & The O.G’s - will open the show with a Gil-inspired spoken word set, based upon the poetic works that Malik developed under Gil’s direct mentorship over 27 years. Malik was blessed to have Gil record one of Malik’s songs “Black & Blue” which featured on Malik & The O.G’s debut album “Rhythms of the Diaspora Vol.’s 1 & 2" in 2015, along with featured artists LL Cool-J and The Last Poets. 

Malik’s set will be followed by Floridian Jazz vocalist Ka’Ba The Soul Singer, who will be performing a celebrated set of Gil Scott-Heron's finest works, with a full live band including Gil’s drummer - Rod Youngs - from his awesome touring band The Amnesia Express. 

A Native of Washington, D.C. Rod’s consummate musicianship has garnered him a wide variety of work from concerts to recording sessions for radio, TV and film. He has performed/recorded with a formidable array of artists including, Lee Konitz, Jon Hendricks, Gil Scott-Heron, Hugh Masekela, Natalie Cole, Mica Paris, Denys Baptiste, Abdullah Ibrahim, Julian Joseph, Courtney Pine, Ronnie Laws, Jazz Jamaica All Stars, and David Murray amongst others and he can be found on several of Gil’s greatest works including; Spirits, Minister of Information and Tales of The Amnesia Express.

Gil Scott-Heron was one of the most prolific and iconic musical figures of the 20th and 21st century's and was renowned as a ‘Bluesologist,” "The Godfather of Rap," a Jazz poet, musician, author and teacher. Gil's lyrical content, addressed the social and political issues of the time, with tracks like “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" and “The Bottle” which connected to the hearts of millions of people, both in America and worldwide."

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Ka'ba's socials:

Facebook 

Reverbnation 

Soundcloud 

Twitter @kabasoulsinger

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Malik & The O.G's socials:

Facebook Malik & The O.G's

Twitter - Malik & The O.G's

Instagram - Malik & The O.G's

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Malik & The O.G’s Reviews…

“Through his writing, music and live performances, Malik Al Nasir is continuing the legacy of his late mentor 

Gil Scott-Heron”  

Raoul Juneja – NOW Magazine. 

“Malik delivers a beautifully lyrical performance, another verse in the extraordinary life of an ordinary guy!” 

Glyn Akroyd – Bido Lito Magazine (Front cover article).  

“In 1984, a chance encounter between Scott-Heron and Al Nasir, then a self-described “illiterate street kid” in Liverpool, led to him taking the 18-year-old under his wing. Today, Al Nasir boasts a master’s degree.” 

Paul Lester, The Guardian (Front cover article).  

“St George’s Hall, Liverpool provided an opportunity for Malik to put on a fabulous tribute concert in honour of the great wordsmith, who guided him throughout his formative and adult years.” 

Michael Edwards – UK Vibe Magazine.

"Mentored by both Jalal and the late great Gil Scott-Heron, Malik brought his own poetic life experience to the event and his no nonsense delivery came wrapped in the warm, versatile vocals of Cleveland Watkiss and Chantelle Nandi." 
Paul Bradshaw - Beyond Chaser. 

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Produced By

@yesternightLtd

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The Revolution Will Be Live! 4th Nov 2019 - The Jazz Cafe - London.

Gil Scott-Heron Tribute

The Revolution Will Be Live! 4th Nov 2019 - The Jazz Cafe - London.

Kim Jordan Plays Gil Scott-Heron

Ft. Ka'ba Soul Singer (as Gil).

+

Malik & The O.G's

Protégé of Gil Scott-Heron

Kim Jordan Plays Gil Scott-Heron

Ft. Ka'ba The Soul Singer 

(as Gil).

Ka’Ba SoulSinger

Kim Jordan Ft.

Ka’ba SoulSinger

Better Days Ahead (Gil Scott-Heron)

Malik & The O.G's
Protégé of Gil Scott-Heron

Live @ The Jazz Cafe.

Tickets

The Jazz Cafe

5 Parkway,

London,

NW1 7PG

Tel: 020 7485 6834

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"Africa" by Malik & The O.G's - Ft. Rita Carter.

Filmed at:

"The Revolution Will Be Live!" Gil Scott-Heron Tribute Show. 

The Arts Centre, 

City of Liverpool College. (27th Sept 2018.)

Lead Vocals - Malik Al Nasir

Backing Vocals - Rita Carter Drums - Rod Youngs (Amnesia Express)

Keys / Vibes - Kim Jordan (Amnesia Express)

Bass - Tiago Coimbra

Guitar - Mo' Nazam

Sax - Phil Marshall Engineers - Tom Parker / Mike Moran.

Director - David Hutchman.

Producer - Malik Al Nasir.

©Yesternight Productions Ltd. 2018. All Rights Reserved.

#Africa #TheRevolutionWillBeLive #MalikAndTheOGs #MalikAlNasir #SpokenWord #Liverpool #GilScottHeron #RitaCarter #KimJordan #RodYoungs

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Ka’Ba SoulSinger - Performing as Gil.

Hailing from the American South, Ka'Ba's rich, bass/baritone voice, emits a frequency - whose vibration is drenched in the struggles, trials and triumphs of the Black experience.  From enslavement and Jim Crow, to the Civil Rights era and the hip-hop generation and beyond. 

His fusion of soul, jazz, traditional Black spirituals, blues, hip-hop, spoken word and world music, creates an aural panoply of the worldwide African experience. He has shared the stage and /or recorded with musical giants and cult underground icons such as; Amiri Baraka, Professor Griff (Public Enemy), Black Notes, Kim Jordan, (jazz keyboardist and long time band leader for Gil Scott-Heron), Precise Science, Dead Prez, The Last Poets, jazz keyboardist Weldon Irvine and more. 

His passionate, soul-drenched, humorous and energetic performances have thrilled audiences across the United States and the United Kingdom, winning praise and accolades along the way. 

He also hosts a weekly radio show, the “Afrikan Deep Thought” edition of “Jazz & Justice,” which can be heard from 3-5PM (EST) every Monday on 89.3 WPFW-FM in Washington, DC, where he fuses his two loves - the various musical genres that inspire him and social commentary and topics around culture, history and philosophy.

Ka’ba toured the UK with Kim Jordan & Malik & The O.G’s in 2017/18, for The Revolution Will Be Live! Gil Scott-Heron tribute tour and is returning to London on 4th November to to do it all again at the iconic Jazz Café.

Ka'ba's socials:

Facebook 

Reverbnation 

Soundcloud 

Twitter @kabasoulsinger

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Kim Jordan’s Reviews…

“Amazing Show! A Beautiful Experience of Sight, Sound and Significance.” – Leonard Burnett – Upscale Magazine. 

“It was a Slamming first set and from the reaction of the packed room, we all needed that. Congratulations!” – Regina Carter – International Jazz Violinist.

"One of the most dynamic performances and entertainers I’ve ever seen.” Frank Malfitano – Syracuse Jazz Festival.

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Malik & The O.G’s Reviews…

“Through his writing, music and live performances, Malik Al Nasir is continuing the legacy of his late mentor 

Gil Scott-Heron”  

Raoul Juneja – NOW Magazine. 

“Malik delivers a beautifully lyrical performance, another verse in the extraordinary life of an ordinary guy!” 

Glyn Akroyd – Bido Lito Magazine (Front cover article).  

“In 1984, a chance encounter between Scott-Heron and Al Nasir, then a self-described “illiterate street kid” in Liverpool, led to him taking the 18-year-old under his wing. Today, Al Nasir boasts a master’s degree.” 

Paul Lester, The Guardian (Front cover article).  

“St George’s Hall, Liverpool provided an opportunity for Malik to put on a fabulous tribute concert in honour of the great wordsmith, who guided him throughout his formative and adult years.” 

Michael Edwards – UK Vibe Magazine.

"Mentored by both Jalal and the late great Gil Scott-Heron, Malik brought his own poetic life experience to the event and his no nonsense delivery came wrapped in the warm, versatile vocals of Cleveland Watkiss and Chantelle Nandi." Paul Bradshaw - Beyond Chaser. 

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Some shots of the show from 
photographer 
Siobahn Bradshaw

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Press Links

Kim Jordans Website

Tim Garcia with Malik & The O.G's - Jazz FM. 07/10/17.

Selected press articles about Malik Al Nasir (Malik & The O.G’s)

    

Selected Press Links for The Revolution Will Be live!

•Louder Than War - 2017 - UK

•University of Cambridge - 2017 - Cambridge UK

•Edge Hill University - 2017 - Ormskirk UK
•Time Out Toronto - 2016 - Toronto Canada
•Lliverpool etc, - 2016 - Liverpool UK
•Now Magazine - 2016 - Toronto Canada

•Mississauga News - 2016 - Mississauga Canada

•Harbourfront Blog  - 2016 - Toronto Canada

•Carleton University - Diversity Art & The Academy - 2016 - Ottawa Canada

•The Charlatan Magazine - 2016 - Ottawa Canada

•The Guardian - 2011- UK

•The Guardian - Cover Article - 2015 - UK

•The Independent - 2015 - UK

•The Skinny - Cover Article – 2015 - UK 

•Liverpool Echo – 2015 - UK
•UK Vibe Magazine - 2015 UK

•Gilscottheron.com 

•Bido Lito - Cover Article - 2015 - UK

•UK Vibe Magazine - 2014 - UK 

Selected Radio about Malik Al Nasir (Malik & The O.G’s)

•BBC World Service - 2011- UK 

•BBC Radio 4 - 2011- UK

•TLJE Radio - 2014 - Atlanta USA 

•BBC Radio Merseyside -  2011- UK

•Radio City 96.7  2011- UK

•BBC Radio Leicester  2011- UK

•Wirral Radio  2015- UK

•Tenacity Radio - 2015 - Atlanta USA

Selected TV about Malik Al Nasir (Malik & The O.G’s)

•BBC News – 2011 - UK

•Bay TV News – 2015 - UK

•B3 Media - L8 Unseen – 2015 - UK

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Jazz Cafe - Press Enquiries: becca@thecolumbogroup.com

Malik & The O.G's - Press Enquiries: info@fore-word.com

Facebook Malik & The O.G's

Twitter - Malik & The O.G's

Instagram - Malik & The O.G's

@yesternightLtd

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