Bolu Babalola doesnt know how to write anything without an element of comedy.
Humour is magical to me, the bestsellingLove In Colourauthor tells me over Zoom.
which implies big decisions need to be made, including choosing the right kind of career.
It sounds refreshingly relatable, which is exactly what Babalola was hoping for.
Im quite narcissistic, Babalola laughs.
As a Black Brit, I always knew I was going to write about Black Brits.
Thats always been the dream.
I always wanted to tell our stories and the stories about my life because thats what I know.
The two have a unique bond thats beautiful to watch.
Do you relate to this?
Bolu Babalola:Im British Nigerian but my parents have always been fully supportive of me being a writer.
But I understood that wasnt a universal experience.
I wanted to [portray] it in a way where I didnt villainise the parents.
LB: You say you write stories of dynamic women tell me aboutBig Ages Sade?
BB:Sade is based very loosely on me.
But naturally, she has these elements of insecurity and lower moments and that is completely normal.
So often in the name of empowering ourselves, we ignore the fact sometimes we dont feel so great.
We can be messy Black women too and still be confident.
It was really important to show multiple layers and multiple truths.
LB: Can we talk about Beverley Knights cameo how did she come to be part of the show?
Her energy was so beautiful.
Why are these important stories to tell?
And also, we deserve to see entertainment with ourselves.
That should be a very normal thing, that should be the default.
How important a role do friendships play in your life?
BB:My friends are the loves of my life completely.
BB:Its love-hate.
I didnt go on to Twitter because I wanted to build a brand…
I went on Twitter because I love talking, I love writing, and I love connecting with people.
Thats just my personality.
And till this day Ijust betweeting.
And when youjust betweeting, you attract people who I know this may be trite are generally good vibes.
I talk about things that I love and I dont want to be a hater.
Its easy to critique things but I think not a lot of people talk about things that they love.
TheBig Agepilot will air on Channel 4 at 11 p.m. Friday, September 10.
