Olivette Otele

Join historian Olivette Otele, a distinguished expert on slavery and colonial history, alongside comedian Celya AB, known for her sharp wit. They dive into the captivating life of Alexandre Dumas, the mastermind behind 'The Three Musketeers.' Discover how his mixed heritage influenced his writing and shaped his identity in 19th-century France. From his romantic escapades and dramatic political entanglements to his prolific literary output and struggles with financial instability, Dumas's life is a blend of humor, adventure, and historical intrigue.

Olivette Otele, a prominent historian and author, sheds light on the overlooked history of Africans in Europe, tracing their presence back centuries. She discusses the lives of historical figures like Roman Emperor Septimius Severus, and the impacts of colonialism on identity. Otele emphasizes the importance of reclaiming Black narratives and the challenges of recognizing women's contributions. The conversation also tackles the legacy of racism, the Colston statue controversy, and the importance of understanding this history for future movements like Black Lives Matter.

Greg Jenner is joined by historian Prof Olivette Otele and comedian Sophie Duker in 18th century France to meet the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Born the son of a slave and a white plantation owner, he lived a remarkable life in France, becoming a master fencer, violin virtuoso, composer, confident of Marie Antoinette and a revolutionary. He is regarded as one of the most significant composers of the 18th century and Mozart is widely regarded to have had major beef with him. So why is his story mostly unknown?Produced by Cornelius Mendez Script by Greg Jenner and Emma Nagouse Research by Lloyd RobertsA production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.