HarperFiction signs 1980s pop star Demacque-Crockett’s ‘unmissable’ debut novel

The debut novel of Pepsi Demacque-Crockett, known internationally for her music career as half of the 1980s pop singing duo, Pepsi and Shirlie, who were backing singers for Wham!, has gone to HarperFiction. 

Kate Bradley, publishing director, bought world English rights in a two-book deal from Tim Bates at PFD. HarperFiction will publish in hardback in spring 2024.

The novel, titled The Promise, draws on the author’s own family’s experience as immigrants to Britain during the "Windrush" era of the 1950s to tell the story of Agnes and Raphael, who travel from the Caribbean, filled with hope for a new life, but who face tragedy and heartache trying to achieve their dreams. The Promise switches between St Lucia and Paddington in west London where Pepsi grew up.

Bradley said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Pepsi to HarperFiction. The Promise is a truly epic novel, Pepsi’s writing has a beautiful, lyrical quality to it while still being highly commercial, and we feel so incredibly lucky to be at the start of her writing journey. 

“The ’Windrush’ era is a pivotal time in our nation’s history and Pepsi has drawn on her own heritage to tell a story that is utterly compelling, with characters that leave an indelible impression on the reader. The Promise will be an unmissable debut everyone will be talking about in 2024."

Demacque-Crockett said: “I am thrilled to be working with my agent Tim Bates and Kate Bradley and the team at HarperFiction. It’s exciting to be able to share the rich and captivating story of those who left their island in the Caribbean in the 1950s for the promise of a better life. It brings me great joy to be a HarperCollins girl!”