The Journey of Tomiwa Owolade: A Rising Star in British Journalism and Literature
Tomiwa Owolade is one of the most influential voices in modern British journalism. A Nigerian-born writer and critic, Owolade has built a name for himself through his sharp commentary on race, identity, politics, and culture. His insights and critiques have earned him recognition in some of the UK’s most esteemed publications. In this article, we explore his career, notable works, and significant contributions to the public discourse. We will also take a look at his debut book This Is Not America, his perspective on race, and his controversial engagement with public figures like Diane Abbott.
Early Life and Education
Tomiwa Owolade was born in 1996 in Nigeria and moved to the United Kingdom at a young age. Growing up in London, Owolade developed an early interest in literature and writing, which shaped his future career. His academic journey led him to Queen Mary University of London, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Literature. Owolade excelled in his studies, graduating with First Class Honours in 2018.
His intellectual pursuits did not stop there. He furthered his academic journey at University College London (UCL), where he earned a Master of Arts (MA) in English Literature with a focus on British and Commonwealth works. He completed his MA in 2019, securing a Merit for his work. His academic background in English literature has played a significant role in shaping his career as both a journalist and an author, giving him the tools to critically analyze complex cultural and political issues.
Career in Journalism
Owolade’s career in journalism began while he was still in university. His early experiences included internships with various media outlets, including WikiTribune and Philosophy Now. His freelance writing work quickly gained recognition, and he began contributing to renowned publications like The Times, The Sunday Times, The Spectator, The Financial Times, The Evening Standard, and Literary Review.
His writings cover a broad spectrum of topics, with a particular focus on identity politics, liberalism, social protest movements, and religion. His ability to blend cultural commentary with sharp analysis has made his work stand out in the crowded landscape of British media. Owolade’s insightful and often provocative opinions have earned him a loyal readership and a growing reputation as one of the leading voices in contemporary journalism.
In 2025, Tomiwa Owolade was appointed as the Assistant Comment Editor at The Telegraph, marking a significant milestone in his career. This role positions him among the top journalists in the UK, further solidifying his place in the media industry. His career trajectory demonstrates his commitment to contributing to meaningful discussions around issues that impact British society, particularly with respect to race, identity, and culture.
The Debut Book: This Is Not America
One of Tomiwa Owolade’s most significant achievements to date is the release of his debut book, This Is Not America: Why Black Lives in Britain Matter. Published in 2023, the book explores the unique dynamics of race and identity in the United Kingdom, challenging the tendency to frame British racial issues through an American lens. While much of the global conversation about race focuses on the United States, Owolade argues that the experiences of Black people in Britain differ significantly from those in America.
The book was a major winner of the 2021 Giles St Aubyn Award from the Royal Society of Literature for a first work of non-fiction. Owolade’s deep understanding of race relations, coupled with his insightful analysis, provides readers with a fresh perspective on Black British experiences. In a world that often seeks to universalize racial issues, This Is Not America stands as a vital contribution to the conversation, emphasizing that the fight for racial justice is not monolithic.
Owolade’s exploration of British identity is not limited to his book. He has consistently used his platform as a writer to address the nuances of race and identity in the UK. His ability to weave personal experiences with academic rigor makes his commentary relatable and accessible to a wide audience.
The Diane Abbott Controversy
In 2023, Tomiwa Owolade found himself at the center of a heated debate with Labour MP Diane Abbott, which further catapulted him into the public spotlight. Abbott made controversial remarks about the nature of racism in the UK, suggesting that Black people in Britain experience a unique form of oppression not shared by other marginalized groups. She controversially argued that Jewish people and other ethnic minorities did not face “racism” in the same way as Black people, instead facing prejudice.
Owolade responded publicly to Abbott’s comments, asserting that her view was both narrow and problematic. He pointed out that anti-Semitism, for example, is indeed a form of racism, as it targets Jewish people based on their racial and ethnic identity. Owolade’s critique was significant because it pushed back against a common perception that racism in Britain can only be understood through the lens of Black experience, specifically the African diaspora. He argued that Abbott’s framing of race relations was oversimplified and did not account for the complex and varied experiences of different minority groups.
The debate between Owolade and Abbott quickly became a national talking point, with many supporters on both sides of the argument. Owolade’s nuanced approach to racism, emphasizing that it is a multi-faceted and deeply ingrained issue that affects different communities in different ways, was praised by many. This public exchange highlighted the challenges within progressive circles to acknowledge the full breadth of racial discrimination in the UK.
Tomiwa Owolade’s Impact and Legacy
Tomiwa Owolade’s career is a testament to his ability to navigate complex cultural and political issues with a deft hand. As a journalist, author, and public intellectual, he has become one of the leading voices on issues of race and identity in contemporary Britain. His ability to critique, analyze, and challenge existing narratives has won him both admiration and controversy, but most importantly, it has made him a key figure in the ongoing conversation about race in the UK.
Owolade’s debut book, This Is Not America, has sparked critical reflection on the unique challenges faced by Black people in Britain. It has made a profound impact on readers and critics alike, establishing him as an important voice in British literature and non-fiction. As he continues to write and engage with public issues, Owolade’s contributions to British culture and media are sure to grow, ensuring his place in the conversation for years to come.
Conclusion
Tomiwa Owolade is a figure whose career continues to evolve and inspire. With a keen understanding of social, political, and cultural dynamics, he has made a significant impact as both a journalist and an author. From his early days as a freelance writer to his current role at The Telegraph, Owolade’s career trajectory reflects his commitment to addressing important issues such as race, identity, and social justice.
His book This Is Not America will undoubtedly remain an important work in the field of British non-fiction, and his public exchanges—such as the one with Diane Abbott—serve as a reminder of the complexity of race relations in the UK. As his influence grows, Owolade’s voice will continue to shape the way we understand and engage with race and identity in the modern world.
In the ever-changing landscape of British media, Tomiwa Owolade is a writer and critic whose work will resonate with future generations. His thought-provoking articles, book, and public engagements ensure his lasting impact on the discourse surrounding race and identity in the UK.
