Tomiwa Owolade: A Bold Voice in British Journalism and Cultural Commentary
Why “This Is Not America” Signals a New Era for Race Dialogue in the UK
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of British journalism, one name has begun to resonate for its clarity, conviction and complexity: Tomiwa Owolade. As a journalist and author, Owolade has carved out a distinctive space for himself by questioning prevailing narratives of race, culture and identity in the UK. His work doesn’t simply reinforce conventional wisdom—it often challenges it, sometimes provoking controversy, but always demanding attention. His debut book, This Is Not America: Why We Need a British Conversation about Race, embodies this thrust, arguing that the British context demands its own language and frameworks for understanding race rather than borrowing wholesale from the US model.
Below is a comprehensive look at his journey: his background, education, career path, major works, impact and evolving legacy.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tomiwa Owolade |
| Date of Birth | July 1996 (Nigeria) |
| Nationality | British (Nigerian-born) |
| Education | BA English, Queen Mary University of London (2018) MA English: Issues in Modern Culture, University College London (2019) |
| Occupation | Journalist · Writer · Cultural Commentator |
| Notable Work | This Is Not America (2023) |
| Themes | Race, identity, culture, media, free speech |
Early Life & Formative Influences
Born in Nigeria in 1996, Tomiwa Owolade moved with his family to London when he was about nine years old. His childhood bridged two worlds: the rhythms and traditions of Nigeria and the multicultural, cosmopolitan environment of London. This dual heritage has deeply informed his perspective—he often reflects on what it means to be both Nigerian and British, and how identity is shaped by migration, culture and language.
His upbringing in a Christian West African family in London further coloured his outlook. In an interview, he pointed to the importance of community and belonging—“something that takes you outside of your individual self” was how he described what he considers sacred. He also credits his broad reading interests (philosophy, film, history, politics) from his undergraduate years for widening his intellectual horizon.
These early experiences laid the foundation for someone who doesn’t simply absorb ideas—but interrogates them. He became aware early on that culture, language and identity are complex, often contested.
Education & Intellectual Development
After relocating to London, Owolade pursued his studies at Queen Mary University of London, obtaining a first-class BA in English in 2018. During that time he expanded his reading beyond literature into film, art, philosophy and politics—skills which would later serve his writing and commentary.
Following his undergraduate degree, he completed an MA in English: Issues in Modern Culture at University College London (UCL) in 2019. The MA programme emphasised varied media forms (film, visual arts, television) alongside traditional literary study—a synergy that helped him frame cultural critique in broad social and historical contexts. In his own words: “It’s not enough to have good ideas; you need to express them in a gripping and engaging way.”
His academic development highlights a trajectory from literary curiosity to cultural critique. By the time he entered professional writing, he had both the analytical tools and a sense of voice.
Career Start & Rise in Journalism
Owolade began his career in journalism and criticism without following the traditional route of a journalism degree. Instead, his entry was driven by blogging, social media engagement, and a clear voice on culture and identity.
He has written for a wide range of prestigious UK publications, including:
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The Times – where he is a columnist
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The Observer and The Telegraph – commentary on race, language and culture
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He has appeared on broadcast media such as BBC Radio 4.
Much of his work is characterised by thoughtful reflection rather than polemic. He often asks: what assumptions are we making about identity, race and culture? How do they play out in Britain rather than simply mirroring US frameworks?
Major Publication: This Is Not America
In 2021, Owolade won the Giles St Aubyn Award (from the Royal Society of Literature), awarded for his debut non-fiction work. His book This Is Not America: Why We Need a British Conversation about Race was published in 2023. In it, he argues decisively that the British conversation on race needs its own contours and vocabulary.
The book received mixed reactions—some praising its timely intervention, others critiquing its tone—but it undeniably positioned Owolade as a serious public intellectual. For instance, The Guardian called it a “timely intervention into the politics of identity”. Wikipedia
In the book he writes of the need to “embrace complexity and reject simplification and generalisation”. University College London He focuses on how immigrations patterns, education outcomes and British history require bespoke frameworks—not merely imported models.
Themes and Style
Owolade’s writing style balances erudition with accessibility. He blends sharp cultural critique with personal reflection. Key themes include:
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The difference between Black British experience and Black American experience.
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The intersection of race with class, culture, language and migration.
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The problem of oversimplified identity politics and “tribal” certainties.
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The role of English language, cultural forms and media in shaping identity.
In interviews, he emphasises that his motivation isn’t to litigate guilt or place blame, but rather to probe the narratives we tell about ourselves and each other.
Impact and Controversies
Owolade’s voice is emerging as part of a broader shift in British cultural commentary—one that asks more rigorous questions of the status quo. He doesn’t shy away from controversy. For example, his writings on race and education led to public debate involving prominent figures and institutions.
By challenging accepted narratives, he has earned both critics and supporters. His stance that race discourse must be anchored in British reality—rather than simply imported from other contexts—is seen as bold and necessary by many; seen as contrarian by others.
What Lies Ahead & Legacy
At what is still a comparatively early stage in his career, Owolade’s legacy is still being shaped. What we can confidently say:
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He is part of a generation shifting how Britain thinks about race, identity and culture.
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His insistence on nuance, historical specificity and context means his work has staying-power beyond passing media cycles.
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Because he engages with public debate (through journalism, books and appearances) his influence extends beyond academic circles.
If his trajectory continues, Tomiwa Owolade may become one of the go-to commentators on the evolving story of Britain’s post-migration multicultural era.
Conclusion
Tomiwa Owolade stands out in British journalism as both a writer of ideas and a cultural critic unafraid to unpack uncomfortable truths. He challenges us to move beyond easy binaries and to recognise the unique dimensions of British identity and race. In doing so, he wields both optimism—about what inclusive conversation might achieve—and scepticism—about how much we’ve misunderstood ourselves so far. His book This Is Not America is as much a call-to-action as it is a critique. For anyone interested in race, identity or media in Britain, he is a voice well worth following.
FAQ
Q1: Who is Tomiwa Owolade?
He is a Nigerian-born British journalist, writer and cultural critic based in London, known for his writing on race, identity and culture.
Q2: What is his major work?
His debut book This Is Not America: Why We Need a British Conversation about Race (2023) is his major publication.
Q3: What does he argue in his writing?
He argues that British race discourse often uncritically imports American frameworks, and that Britain requires its own language, history and nuance when discussing race and identity.
Q4: What is his education background?
He earned a first-class BA in English from Queen Mary University of London (2018) and an MA in English: Issues in Modern Culture from University College London (2019).
Q5: What publications has he written for?
He has contributed to major UK publications including The Times, The Observer and The Telegraph, and has appeared on programmes such as BBC Radio 4.
Q6: What is his broader significance?
His work helps shift the conversation in Britain around race, identity and culture from monolithic narratives to more nuanced, historically-grounded perspectives.
Q7: Is his viewpoint universally accepted?
No—while many welcome his argument for nuance, others critique his tone or conclusions. Nevertheless, his work stimulates debate, which is part of its value.
