People, Places, Events   

Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke, known as Kemi Badenoch, was born on 2 January 1980 in Wimbledon, London. She comes from a Yoruba background and is the daughter of Femi Adegoke, a GP, and Feyi Adegoke, a professor of physiology. Growing up, she lived in Lagos, Nigeria, and the United States before returning to the UK at the age of 16 due to the political and economic challenges her family faced in Nigeria.

Sade was raised in a multicultural household. Her father, an economics professor from Nigeria, and her mother, an English nurse, instilled in her a deep appreciation for both her Nigerian roots and British heritage. Growing up, Sade was never addressed by her English first name, Helen, but rather by her Yoruba middle name, Folasade, which her parents affectionately shortened to Sade.

Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel entered the world on the 19th of February in 1963, at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London. His unique heritage stems from his Nigerian mother, Adebisi Ogundeji, and his Afro-Brazilian father, Francis Samuel. Growing up, Seal was nurtured by a foster family residing in the vibrant district of Westminster, London. Despite his humble beginnings, Seal's determination led him to pursue a two-year diploma in architecture

Zadie Smith, born on October 27, 1975, in London, England, is a renowned British author celebrated for her exploration of themes such as race, religion, and cultural identity within her works. Her novels are distinguished by their quirky characters, sharp wit, and engaging dialogue, establishing her as a prominent figure in the literary realm. Smith gained widespread acclaim following the release of her debut novel, White Teeth, in 2000, which propelled her to literary stardo

Bruce Oldfield's upbringing was deeply influenced by his time in foster care and children's charity, Barnardo's. His father, whom he never knew, had migrated to Britain from Jamaica. Raised by a seamstress during his formative years, he developed a passion for designing and creating clothes. This early exposure to the world of fashion played a crucial role in shaping his future career as a renowned designer.

Born to parents from Dominica, Gabrielle was raised by her mother, Patricia, alongside her three brothers in London. She attributes her passion for soul and reggae music to her mother's influence. Despite facing challenges like ptosis, a condition causing the drooping of one eyelid since childhood, Gabrielle has persevered and carved out a successful career in the music industry. Her resilience in overcoming personal struggles like depression during her school years and

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Lenny Henry rose to fame as a stand-up comedian and impressionist. His talent and unique style culminated in the creation of his own show, The Lenny Henry Show, in 1984. As the most prominent black British comedian of his time, Henry's performances often celebrated and parodied his African-Caribbean heritage, captivating audiences with his wit and charm.

Alesha Anjanette Dixon was born in Welwyn Garden City on 7 October 1978 to a Jamaican father and Scottish mother. Growing up in Welwyn Garden City, Dixon attended Chancellors School in Brookmans Park, Hertfordshire. However, her childhood was marked by the separation of her parents when she was just four years old. Her father moved away, leaving Dixon to describe her family life as "very dysfunctional."

Craig David, a Southampton native, was raised in the close-knit community of the Holyrood estate. His upbringing was shaped by his diverse heritage, with his father hailing from Afro-Grenadian roots and his mother being of Anglo-Jewish descent, with familial ties to the renowned Accurist watch-making company.