Faber wins three-way auction for Ekpoudom's 'landmark' book

Faber has triumphed in a three-way auction for Where We Come From: Rap, Home & Hope in Modern Britain by journalist Aniefiok Ekpoudom.

Publishing director Alexa von Hirschberg acquired audio and UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, from Emma Finn at C&W. The book will be published on 18th January 2024.

Where We Come From is a "monumental" social history of UK rap and grime which examines areas across the UK and explores how "a history of migration and an enduring spirit of resistance have shaped the current realities of these linked communities and the music they produce". It is "a rich chronicle on rap, identity, place and, above all, the social and human condition in modern Britain".

Ekpoudom commented: "Over the past five years I’ve travelled thousands of miles to report and write this book. I’ve had the honour of listening to people share deeply personal stories, as well as their connected community histories that have informed the life and legacies of these music genres that I love. The story of UK rap, grime and associated genres reflect an untold story of contemporary Britain."

Mo Hafeez, commissioning editor, added: "Where We Come From is undoubtedly a landmark publication for Faber. Ekpoudom is an utterly remarkable writer who has the potential to be a once-in-a-generation talent; I am certain his work will have a profound impact on every person who reads it, and the story of rap and grime, of modern Britain, will be all the better for it."