David Olusoga Reveals His Extraordinary Mum'S Influence And Navigates The Celebrity Traitors

  • By Rico
  • Feb. 25, 2026, 10 a.m.

Growing Up in a Challenging Era

David Olusoga reflects on his childhood with a mix of nostalgia and hardship. Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s in a predominantly white council estate in Gateshead was no easy feat for a young black boy. He describes himself as a shy, thoughtful child grappling with dyslexia at a time when such differences were often misunderstood. The pervasive racism and abuse he faced made those decades a cautionary tale for the politics of exclusion.

The Unyielding Influence of an Extraordinary Mother

Olusoga attributes his resilience and success to his indomitable mother. In an era where his schools lacked expectations for success – so much so that they would likely be shut down today – his mother pushed him and his siblings to strive for excellence. Her insistence on hard work led him to tackle past exam papers relentlessly, ensuring his academic success despite the odds. "We’re absolutely products of our mother’s determination for her children," he proudly states.

Learning Life's Lessons

When asked what advice he would give to his 18-year-old self, Olusoga acknowledges the complexity of life's journey. He emphasizes that learning comes from personal experience, a lesson he has embraced as a parent. "You’ve got to learn it yourself," he muses, recognizing that wisdom often comes from the trials we endure and the lessons we learn firsthand.

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Rico
Author: Rico
Rico

Rico

Rico covers how celebs craft image—on carpets, in airports, and on Stories. He pairs look IDs and styling credits with the mini-narratives driving buzz: relationships, rebrands, and comeback arcs.