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Letters to Gil: A Luminous Memoir of Racism, Life in the Care System and the Power of Discovering Music under the Mentorship of Gil Scott-Heron – with a Foreword from Lemn Sissay
‘A searing, triumphant story. A testament to the tenacity of the human spirit as well as a beautiful ode to an iconic figure’ IRENOSEN OKOJIE
Letters to Gil is Malik Al Nasir’s profound coming of age memoir – the story of surviving physical and racial abuse and discovering a new sense of self-worth under the wing of the great artist, poet and civil rights activist Gil Scott-Heron.
Born in Liverpool, Malik was taken into care at the age of nine after his seafaring father became paralysed. He would spend his adolescence in a system that proved violent, neglectful, exploitative, traumatising and mired in abuse. Aged eighteen, he emerged semi-literate, penniless with no connections or sense of where he was going – until a chance meeting with Gil Scott-Heron.
Letters to Gil will tell the story of Malik’s empowerment and awakening while mentored by Gil, from his introduction to the legacy of Black history to the development of his voice through poetry and music. Written with lyricism and power, it is a frank and moving memoir, highlighting how institutional racism can debilitate and disadvantage a child, as well as how mentoring, creativity, self-expression and solidarity helped him to uncover his potential.
Letters to Gil is Malik Al Nasir’s profound coming of age memoir – the story of surviving physical and racial abuse and discovering a new sense of self-worth under the wing of the great artist, poet and civil rights activist Gil Scott-Heron.
Born in Liverpool, Malik was taken into care at the age of nine after his seafaring father became paralysed. He would spend his adolescence in a system that proved violent, neglectful, exploitative, traumatising and mired in abuse. Aged eighteen, he emerged semi-literate, penniless with no connections or sense of where he was going – until a chance meeting with Gil Scott-Heron.
Letters to Gil will tell the story of Malik’s empowerment and awakening while mentored by Gil, from his introduction to the legacy of Black history to the development of his voice through poetry and music. Written with lyricism and power, it is a frank and moving memoir, highlighting how institutional racism can debilitate and disadvantage a child, as well as how mentoring, creativity, self-expression and solidarity helped him to uncover his potential.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 19, 2021
Review of Letters to Gil by Malik al Nasir
Letters to Gil is a very readable and utterly compelling account of a childhood scarred by the UK care system, with an introduction written by Lemn Sissay. But this is no misery memoir, rather a fascinating journal of many things, reflecting on growing up, injustice and above all else on striving for what is good in life. Surviving racist violence and poverty, Mark Watson, as he was then known, leaves care and arrives on the streets of Liverpool in the early 80s. As a brutalised, barely literate 18 year old, he feels he has little in prospect. Following a chance encounter, he is taken under the wing of American musician and intellectual Gil Scott Heron. GSH becomes a father figure to him and through a gradual, painful transformation over many years, the author finds direction in his life, learns many things, educates himself and emerges as a writer, artist and thinker in his own right.
Malik al Nasir is currently undertaking his PhD at Cambridge University, researching Britain’s involvement in slavery. It was ultimately because of the convolutions of slavery that Malik’s father came to be in Liverpool. Born in Demerara, British Guiana in 1918, Malik’s father had Scottish and African ancestry. Leaving South America as a merchant seaman in the 1930s, Reginald Watson joined the Royal Navy during WWII and saw action in the Mediterranean before settling in the UK and having a family in Liverpool. When he became paralysed following a stroke, the authorities intervened and Mark Watson, aged 9, became a ward of the state. Other parts of this story of slavery, empire and the Black diaspora have been and will be told elsewhere. Yet history speaks clearly from the pages of this personal testimony. Letters to Gil is a rich and poignant collage of life on tour with GSH, the streets of Liverpool and of discovering where you come from. It’s a story of building a life from the ground up with whatever is at hand and being true to yourself, or as Malik puts it, keeping it real. A remarkable account of a remarkable life and of a mind that is clearly still unfolding.
Hugh Peters
Letters to Gil is a very readable and utterly compelling account of a childhood scarred by the UK care system, with an introduction written by Lemn Sissay. But this is no misery memoir, rather a fascinating journal of many things, reflecting on growing up, injustice and above all else on striving for what is good in life. Surviving racist violence and poverty, Mark Watson, as he was then known, leaves care and arrives on the streets of Liverpool in the early 80s. As a brutalised, barely literate 18 year old, he feels he has little in prospect. Following a chance encounter, he is taken under the wing of American musician and intellectual Gil Scott Heron. GSH becomes a father figure to him and through a gradual, painful transformation over many years, the author finds direction in his life, learns many things, educates himself and emerges as a writer, artist and thinker in his own right.
Malik al Nasir is currently undertaking his PhD at Cambridge University, researching Britain’s involvement in slavery. It was ultimately because of the convolutions of slavery that Malik’s father came to be in Liverpool. Born in Demerara, British Guiana in 1918, Malik’s father had Scottish and African ancestry. Leaving South America as a merchant seaman in the 1930s, Reginald Watson joined the Royal Navy during WWII and saw action in the Mediterranean before settling in the UK and having a family in Liverpool. When he became paralysed following a stroke, the authorities intervened and Mark Watson, aged 9, became a ward of the state. Other parts of this story of slavery, empire and the Black diaspora have been and will be told elsewhere. Yet history speaks clearly from the pages of this personal testimony. Letters to Gil is a rich and poignant collage of life on tour with GSH, the streets of Liverpool and of discovering where you come from. It’s a story of building a life from the ground up with whatever is at hand and being true to yourself, or as Malik puts it, keeping it real. A remarkable account of a remarkable life and of a mind that is clearly still unfolding.
Hugh Peters
October 20, 2021
If you are a fanatical Gil Scott-Heron fan like myself you’d probably be happy to buy anything related to the great man. Gil’s seering social commentary in verse and song is sorely missed in a world where few can get anywhere near his level of wit and insight. If you’re looking for a book about Gil, then this isn’t it. However if you’d like to read a book that embodies the extraordinary compasssion and humanity that Gil represented, look no further. For this is indeed an extraordinary tale. A stark reminder of just how grim the institutional underbelly of Britain was back in the seventies, the racism and brutality of the care system that Malik Al Nasir somehow endured until his life was transformed by a backstage encounter with Gil Scott-Heron. A story of redemption, the liberating power of music, and the inspiration of one of the greatest artists Black America has produced. Malik’s journey from wrongly interned victim of a hopelessly skewed and prejudiced system to poet, writer and performer is magical.
June 13, 2022
What an incredible story and account of two positive men and how their lives meant so much to each other. Both beautiful and harrowing scenes make it hard to fathom that it’s Malik’s real life - I’m so happy he met that wise and kind-hearted hero/legend that is, Gil Scott-Heron.
Slowed in parts if I’m being harsh, I’m not personally religious so there’s a tiny part that I slightly lost interest in and sadly I hate the sea so the many months spent here felt a bit claustrophobic (doubled down by all the racist seaman, perhaps that was the point haha). I will say it is relatively simple writing so can be a complete race through, although I personally prefer that as it’s to the point and effective - also absolute credit to Malik who taught himself to read & write at a later age, it just shows what’s possible!
But it definitely picks back up quite well discussing The Last Poets, Jalal Mansur Nuriddin and the formation of poetry in music as an answer to the political vacuum of the 1960s civil rights movement being almost forced out by the (still) oppressive government. Malik’s battle for justice is staggering & a clear reminder to me why I hate the ‘law’ & how clearly unjust it is.
In summary, FUCK Greystone child care home and all institutions/systems built on fear, racism and white imperialistic power - so basically all of them x
Slowed in parts if I’m being harsh, I’m not personally religious so there’s a tiny part that I slightly lost interest in and sadly I hate the sea so the many months spent here felt a bit claustrophobic (doubled down by all the racist seaman, perhaps that was the point haha). I will say it is relatively simple writing so can be a complete race through, although I personally prefer that as it’s to the point and effective - also absolute credit to Malik who taught himself to read & write at a later age, it just shows what’s possible!
But it definitely picks back up quite well discussing The Last Poets, Jalal Mansur Nuriddin and the formation of poetry in music as an answer to the political vacuum of the 1960s civil rights movement being almost forced out by the (still) oppressive government. Malik’s battle for justice is staggering & a clear reminder to me why I hate the ‘law’ & how clearly unjust it is.
In summary, FUCK Greystone child care home and all institutions/systems built on fear, racism and white imperialistic power - so basically all of them x
May 26, 2023
Letters to Gil says as much about Malik as it does about his mentor, the incredible Gil Scott Heron. It is a study in kindness and healing from top to bottom from a voice who understands exclusion, suppression, abuse and racism in the most profound way.
If you are curious about how the real music industry works - not the shiny façade hauled up by promotors and spiel merchants - this lifts the lid. Malik Al Nasir is a force of nature as powerful as any Atlantic swell he encountered while working the merchant tankers. His unique education is all in this book and I was incapable of putting it down until it was finished. This isn't just a biography, it is a critical record of society.
You don't have to know much about Gil to read this, but I implore you to because you'll get to understand why rights are hard won, from Liverpool to every other corner of the earth. If you can name it, Malik has probably been there. Go there with him.
If you are curious about how the real music industry works - not the shiny façade hauled up by promotors and spiel merchants - this lifts the lid. Malik Al Nasir is a force of nature as powerful as any Atlantic swell he encountered while working the merchant tankers. His unique education is all in this book and I was incapable of putting it down until it was finished. This isn't just a biography, it is a critical record of society.
You don't have to know much about Gil to read this, but I implore you to because you'll get to understand why rights are hard won, from Liverpool to every other corner of the earth. If you can name it, Malik has probably been there. Go there with him.
May 4, 2022
This could so easily become a so-called 'poverty porn' story or a book aimed at middle-class white guilt in the #BLM era post George Floyd. But it is neither of those things. It is a story of hope and the importance of mentorship, of self-worth, of placing value on yourself and others, of someone recognising and making the most of opportunities and of sheer chutzpah, Jihad, hard bloody graft, working smart and a massive streak of 'Fuck you' in order to first survive and then rebuild, learn and prosper. Oh and let's not forget that if, like me, you are a massive Gil Scott-Heron fan it is also a book about him too.
Get this book and read it from Lemn Sissay's beautifully written foreword to Malik's list of Acknowledgments at the end. Sometimes, when reading a good memoir the reader can learn about the life of the subject, sometimes when reading a great memoir the reader can learn about the political, social and historical contexts of the subject's life. Sometimes, as with this superb memoir, the reader learns all of these things plus something about themselves too.
Get this book and read it from Lemn Sissay's beautifully written foreword to Malik's list of Acknowledgments at the end. Sometimes, when reading a good memoir the reader can learn about the life of the subject, sometimes when reading a great memoir the reader can learn about the political, social and historical contexts of the subject's life. Sometimes, as with this superb memoir, the reader learns all of these things plus something about themselves too.
December 27, 2021
Insightful book regarding Malik’s lived ( awful) experience of being in care during the 1980’s in Liverpool. He made an transformational link with Gil Scott- Heron which set his life course in a different direction. Profound, personal and an amazing insight into how positive role models can impact on the life journey of marginalised young men.
January 27, 2022
An incredibly moving and inspiring memoir written by an inspiring writer and poet. I can’t recommend this book enough.
March 5, 2023
This is a powerful book about race, class, luck, tenacity, faith, and above all about the transformative power of being loved and believed in. Malik Al Nasir brings the reader with him on every page of a book that could so easily have been a 'misery memoir', but which manages to avoid that trap with intelligence, grace and passion. We learn a lot about the music business, marketing, the law, religion, the redemptive power of love, but running through all of that, we learn about integrity, and the price we pay for being true to ourselves and our sense of justice. The structure of the book - a memoir with flashbacks embedded within it - oscillates the reader between the hardest parts of Al Nasir's life and the happier, so that the misery is never unseasoned by hope and a recognition that 'this too will pass'. The horrors of abuse suffered by Al Nasir in his childhood did not destroy his spirit or his capacity to connect with open-heartedness to those around him who were open to connecting. He describes how he dealt with systemic classism and racism in multiple ways - at first, with self-damaging rebellion, then with canny resignation (particularly while working in the Merchant Navy), and finally with intelligent and informed resistance (not least in bringing a court case against his abusers, in the teeth of legal foot-dragging), enabled by long, hard study. Throughout all of this, he was supported and encouraged by Gil Scott-Heron, who, following a chance encounter, brought Al Nasir into his entourage, made him learn to read fluently, and taught him how to deal with running a business. But this is not a fan-boy memoir, either. It is partly an homage to a father figure, and partly a recognition of how we all have to find our own identities, our own belief systems, and our own paths in the world. It comes as a punch in the gut to the reader to learn of Scott-Heron's death, at the end of the book - a tribute to how Al Nasir has brought us with him on his journey. The book honours a great musician, poet and activist; but it also makes the reader confront the things that Scott-Heron was fighting against, and shows how much spirit it has taken for Al Nasir to continue the struggle.
October 19, 2021
Letters to Gill by Malik Al Nasir
If you have not already ordered or read the above mentioned autobiography I strongly recommend that you do.
It tracks the voyage of self exploration and troubling revelation of racism and abuse in Malik’s early life, in which author lays out an inspirational account of a young man’s initial and serendipitous meeting with a giant of the music world backstage in a musical venue.
From this seemingly casual meeting, it leads to a radical shift in Malik’s sense of self, albeit via tortuous struggle, through to a deep and abiding 27 year friendship. Gil Scott Heron clearly saw something germinal within Malik which later develops into mentorship..
This is also an autobiographical account of Malik’s racial, physical and psychological abuse which despite this, flows into a powerful motivation towards self-awareness and discovery as a result of this meeting, which soon becomes clear is a meeting of minds.
The book also tracks the author’s struggles with dyslexia and struggles with writing yet, it results in a determination to express his developing inner voice via regular diary entries and poetry.
For added spice there is also analysis of the true history of hip hop and its progenitors as opposed to the misdirections of so-called gangsta rap. This is challenged succinctly. It includes firsthand accounts from the likes of Lemn Sissay, Jalal Mansoor Nuriddin and various other contemporaries of Scott-Heron’s. with accounts of the ins and outs of Gil Scott Hero’s involvement in The Last Poets.
Malik’s humble account of his development through a chance encounter, is by contrast both inspiring and at times, dispiriting. It also leads the reader to accounts of racism and mistreatment that play
throughout his life. However, it is a testament to the indefatigable spirit of the author and his tenacious feelings of connection which from that very first meeting was immediately recognised by Heron.
Malik goes on to extemporise his own developing sense of self belief, leading to him challenging Gil Scott-Heron to the point of ultimate recognition by the great man himself. Thus, Malik becomes fearless in his own self growth and broadening world view.
There are many anecdotal accounts of various figures in Scott-Heron’s life including fellow artists both on stage and off. Malik also puts the record straight as to Gil Scott-Heron’s personal struggles and health issues including drugs. But this is not the main focus. He also contextualises debunks the myth that Gil Scott-Heron lived and died in poverty. This being the result of an act of misunderstanding as Gil continued to live in Harlem despite his relative wealth. This was mainly orchestrated by an act of betrayal and an attempt by the media to demonise him. The fact that this has stuck is a depressing testimony to what we already know about the nature of the media, both then and now. But there is nevertheless a strong sense of deep connection and real understanding of the great man himself. There are many instructional moving accounts of instances of Gil Scott Heron’s depth of compassion and acts of personal generosity, yet at the same time not avoiding his flaws, but revealing him as a truly exceptional human being.
The denouement is deeply moving and creates a sense of the deep affection and gratitude that the author has towards this giant of music and poetry. Personally, many gaps in the details of Gil Scott-Heron’s life and career are revealed and put into context, giving me a deeper insight to this complex individual. Finally, it gives me a sense of gratitude for this truly remarkable autobiography and personal insight and for his sharing this in depth and detail.
If you have not already ordered or read the above mentioned autobiography I strongly recommend that you do.
It tracks the voyage of self exploration and troubling revelation of racism and abuse in Malik’s early life, in which author lays out an inspirational account of a young man’s initial and serendipitous meeting with a giant of the music world backstage in a musical venue.
From this seemingly casual meeting, it leads to a radical shift in Malik’s sense of self, albeit via tortuous struggle, through to a deep and abiding 27 year friendship. Gil Scott Heron clearly saw something germinal within Malik which later develops into mentorship..
This is also an autobiographical account of Malik’s racial, physical and psychological abuse which despite this, flows into a powerful motivation towards self-awareness and discovery as a result of this meeting, which soon becomes clear is a meeting of minds.
The book also tracks the author’s struggles with dyslexia and struggles with writing yet, it results in a determination to express his developing inner voice via regular diary entries and poetry.
For added spice there is also analysis of the true history of hip hop and its progenitors as opposed to the misdirections of so-called gangsta rap. This is challenged succinctly. It includes firsthand accounts from the likes of Lemn Sissay, Jalal Mansoor Nuriddin and various other contemporaries of Scott-Heron’s. with accounts of the ins and outs of Gil Scott Hero’s involvement in The Last Poets.
Malik’s humble account of his development through a chance encounter, is by contrast both inspiring and at times, dispiriting. It also leads the reader to accounts of racism and mistreatment that play
throughout his life. However, it is a testament to the indefatigable spirit of the author and his tenacious feelings of connection which from that very first meeting was immediately recognised by Heron.
Malik goes on to extemporise his own developing sense of self belief, leading to him challenging Gil Scott-Heron to the point of ultimate recognition by the great man himself. Thus, Malik becomes fearless in his own self growth and broadening world view.
There are many anecdotal accounts of various figures in Scott-Heron’s life including fellow artists both on stage and off. Malik also puts the record straight as to Gil Scott-Heron’s personal struggles and health issues including drugs. But this is not the main focus. He also contextualises debunks the myth that Gil Scott-Heron lived and died in poverty. This being the result of an act of misunderstanding as Gil continued to live in Harlem despite his relative wealth. This was mainly orchestrated by an act of betrayal and an attempt by the media to demonise him. The fact that this has stuck is a depressing testimony to what we already know about the nature of the media, both then and now. But there is nevertheless a strong sense of deep connection and real understanding of the great man himself. There are many instructional moving accounts of instances of Gil Scott Heron’s depth of compassion and acts of personal generosity, yet at the same time not avoiding his flaws, but revealing him as a truly exceptional human being.
The denouement is deeply moving and creates a sense of the deep affection and gratitude that the author has towards this giant of music and poetry. Personally, many gaps in the details of Gil Scott-Heron’s life and career are revealed and put into context, giving me a deeper insight to this complex individual. Finally, it gives me a sense of gratitude for this truly remarkable autobiography and personal insight and for his sharing this in depth and detail.
January 29, 2024
Loved it!
September 26, 2022
Letters to Gil by Malik Al Nasir.
I borrowed this remarkable book from the library - mistakenly as an audio book - but serendipitously so as it had some opening lines from Gil Scott-Heron himself, and later long excerpts from Jalal of The Last Poets and Benjamin Zephaniah. The book features the lilting scouse accent that describes the amazing story of how Malik was befriended by Gil Scott-Heron (the author/ poet/jazz/soul/rap and self-titled 'bluesologist' titan whose voice was once described by a music critic as 'a blend of mahogany, sunshine and tears') and then by Jalal Mansur Nuriddin from The Last Poets (both initially in Liverpool) , and went on to become a trusted member of Gil's touring team as runner and roadie, and later both tutee and manager to Jalal (even being with him on a Last Poets reunion in New York in the mid-nineties, and organising and opening with his band Malik and the OGs for Jalal's performance of his early seventies (and now seen as proto gangster-rap) piece Hustlers Convention in Liverpool in 2013). It's also about how Malik survived, as a young child called Mark Watson, the shockingly brutal, racist and corrupt care system in seventies Britain after his father was paralysed. He described that his experiences made him feel 'externally toughened but internally dismembered.' He later successfully sued (a long and tortuous process) the government for neglect, racism and physical abuse, as well as receiving a public apology from Liverpool City Council. The book also describes Malik' s spiritual awakening and journey through faith; his life experiences (including frequent obstacles of entrenched prejudice); becoming a performance poet, record producer and author; his mainly self-taught academic journey culminating in a masters degree, and his experiences on the high seas working on oil tankers.
There's also a lovely tale from the 2007 Radio City Music Hall 'Dream Concert', a tribute to Martin Luther King with a line-up headed by Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. Nasir was in New York working on an album with the likes of Whyclef Jean, who was also on the bill, and who had passes for the event. When Nasir met Stevie Wonder backstage he told him that he had a message from Gil Scott-Heron, who had inexplicably (given his influence and voice on all things to do with justice, equality and civil rights) been left off the bill. Malik contacted Gil and within the hour he was there in person.
Malik was in regular communication with Gil throughout the years, and Gil was always there for him, offering advice, support and wisdom. So this was the wheel turned full circle.
I borrowed this remarkable book from the library - mistakenly as an audio book - but serendipitously so as it had some opening lines from Gil Scott-Heron himself, and later long excerpts from Jalal of The Last Poets and Benjamin Zephaniah. The book features the lilting scouse accent that describes the amazing story of how Malik was befriended by Gil Scott-Heron (the author/ poet/jazz/soul/rap and self-titled 'bluesologist' titan whose voice was once described by a music critic as 'a blend of mahogany, sunshine and tears') and then by Jalal Mansur Nuriddin from The Last Poets (both initially in Liverpool) , and went on to become a trusted member of Gil's touring team as runner and roadie, and later both tutee and manager to Jalal (even being with him on a Last Poets reunion in New York in the mid-nineties, and organising and opening with his band Malik and the OGs for Jalal's performance of his early seventies (and now seen as proto gangster-rap) piece Hustlers Convention in Liverpool in 2013). It's also about how Malik survived, as a young child called Mark Watson, the shockingly brutal, racist and corrupt care system in seventies Britain after his father was paralysed. He described that his experiences made him feel 'externally toughened but internally dismembered.' He later successfully sued (a long and tortuous process) the government for neglect, racism and physical abuse, as well as receiving a public apology from Liverpool City Council. The book also describes Malik' s spiritual awakening and journey through faith; his life experiences (including frequent obstacles of entrenched prejudice); becoming a performance poet, record producer and author; his mainly self-taught academic journey culminating in a masters degree, and his experiences on the high seas working on oil tankers.
There's also a lovely tale from the 2007 Radio City Music Hall 'Dream Concert', a tribute to Martin Luther King with a line-up headed by Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. Nasir was in New York working on an album with the likes of Whyclef Jean, who was also on the bill, and who had passes for the event. When Nasir met Stevie Wonder backstage he told him that he had a message from Gil Scott-Heron, who had inexplicably (given his influence and voice on all things to do with justice, equality and civil rights) been left off the bill. Malik contacted Gil and within the hour he was there in person.
Malik was in regular communication with Gil throughout the years, and Gil was always there for him, offering advice, support and wisdom. So this was the wheel turned full circle.
September 5, 2025
This book really is somewhat unbelievable. A young man in the British care system, taken under the wing of one of the most prominent artists to have ever lived. The universe really did its thing curating this incredibly beautiful relationship.
Whilst impossible to read this without server adoration of the legend that is Gil Scott-Heron, Malik Al Nasir also shows himself to be an absolutely remarkable human being. Abused at the hand of the system designed to protect him, with all odds against him, he goes on to live an absolutely amazing life. It’s clear from the story that the good people Malik met saw his authenticity, intelligence and creativity, maybe they wanted to offer him opportunities, but it feels like they knew what his presence could offer them, what opportunities he was able to provide. A work ethic and mind worth envy, worth striving towards.
An important story for children within the care system to indulge in, not only are they worthy of proper love and care, but dream-able success, an incredibly good life worth living.
Whilst impossible to read this without server adoration of the legend that is Gil Scott-Heron, Malik Al Nasir also shows himself to be an absolutely remarkable human being. Abused at the hand of the system designed to protect him, with all odds against him, he goes on to live an absolutely amazing life. It’s clear from the story that the good people Malik met saw his authenticity, intelligence and creativity, maybe they wanted to offer him opportunities, but it feels like they knew what his presence could offer them, what opportunities he was able to provide. A work ethic and mind worth envy, worth striving towards.
An important story for children within the care system to indulge in, not only are they worthy of proper love and care, but dream-able success, an incredibly good life worth living.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
Wow so beautiful!
December 27, 2021
I first heard Malik Al Nasir speak at an education conference and, as a fan of the music of Gil Scott Heron, was both inspired and intrigued by his life story. On finding out that he had written a memoir I was very keen to read it. Malik's story is compelling - how he survived physical and racial abuse within the care system, was mentored by Gil Scott Heron and strived against adversity to achieve his true potential as a poet, musician and academic. I think that this book would appeal to fans of Gil Scott Heron and of the arts in general - especially poetry and music. Also, people looking to learn more about institutionalised racism in Britain in the light of the Black Lives Matter movement. One thing I will take from this book is the mantra that Gil Scott Heron's grandma instilled in him 'If you could help someone, why wouldn't you?' Wise words to live by and a book I would recommend to read.
October 2, 2022
Malik Al Nisar’s story telling was like opening a time capsule for me. Transported back to life in the 70s and 80s, and personally very relatable to myself ( kid of immigrants , brought up in the NW of England, and seeing first hand institutional racism). Far from being a treatise of woe, this was an utterly enjoyable read denoting human awakening and realization of how one overcomes the ghosts of the past . It also made me reflect on the mentors that influenced my personal and professional life as did Gil Scot Heron to Malik . So glad to have read this story …
March 8, 2022
"Mahogany, sunshine and tears" is the famous description of the quality of Gil Scott-Heron's voice as he performed his songs. I would also use this description of the beautiful, tragic and inspiring life of Malik Al Nasir as related in "Letters to Gil". Such a deep insight into the racism and care system of 70s Liverpool as well the music industry and how it treated the legendary Gil Scott-Heron.
Easy to read, engaging.
Easy to read, engaging.
August 30, 2022
Malik's story and his way of telling it makes you feel you are with him at every step. It's a story that feels mythic, as though you are reading The Iliad or some other great adventure (with sea voyages, love, family and the growth of an extraordinary human being). What this book shows you is that it is possible for people to reach their potential, but that you need support. Hopefully, reading this will inspire more people to aim for something great in life but also to lift others up as they go.
July 6, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable book which I struggled to put down. Malik has a fascinating story to tell and he does so with searing honesty and great pride. It's a story of hope and a lesson in the wonderful things that can happen when we take the time to care, be generous, and invest in the spiritual growth of others. There should be copies available in every city school, college, and public library across the country.
September 3, 2023
'Letters to Gil' is a fascinating story of the convergence of two extraordinary lives. I've been a huge fan of Gil Scott-H since I first heard B-Movie and Angola, Louisiana - and this is why I first picked up the book up two years ago. But then I got to discover Malik. A captivating story of another life struggling against injustice but also a story of the power of love. The connection forged between Gil and Malik is so powerfully portrayed. One of the best memoirs I've read.
January 21, 2022
The book and Malik’s story from start to finish was a rollercoaster of emotion and one of understanding. A powerful true story and may I say warning of the care system. How one man can change a life plan with help and guidance from other special souls on this planet. A must read book and a insight into never giving up and at last finding Inner peace, wonderful
June 30, 2022
This is an engrossing memoir from a deep and erudite thinker. It details Malik’s journey from being a victim of an institutionally racist and abusive care system to emerging as a man confident enough to use his many gifts and fulfil his potential as an author, performance poet, musician, filmmaker and academic. Through an enduring friendship and consistent mentoring from Gil Scott-Heron coupled with Malik’s own determination to succeed, he is able to transcend and subvert the odds that had been stacked against him. It shows just what someone can achieve with the right attitude and the right support. Malik is a credit and an inspiration to our Liverpool community. I cannot recommend this memoir highly enough and look forward to reading his future writings.
June 10, 2022
Great book - only discovered it by chance following an interview on BBC 6Music with Malik. I’ve been a fan of Gil Scott-Heron’s for decades, so glad to be able to complete my education with Malik’s wonderful writing.
December 25, 2025
Took me a while to finish this cause life got so busy, but what a book!!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Malik while promoting his second book, and stumbled on Letters to Gil.
Part memoir, part social commentary. It talks about Malik’s journey through the care system in Liverpool, to meeting Gil, and the impact they’ve had on each other’s lives. And what an incredible life!
Being a Black Muslim living in Liverpool and finding my own identity, this book resonated with me so much.
At times I felt the author was speaking to me.
Loved it and will be reading his second book!
I had the pleasure of meeting Malik while promoting his second book, and stumbled on Letters to Gil.
Part memoir, part social commentary. It talks about Malik’s journey through the care system in Liverpool, to meeting Gil, and the impact they’ve had on each other’s lives. And what an incredible life!
Being a Black Muslim living in Liverpool and finding my own identity, this book resonated with me so much.
At times I felt the author was speaking to me.
Loved it and will be reading his second book!
September 20, 2022
Amazing story, should be read by anyone working in children's social care.
August 10, 2022
Excellent read, such an inspiring account of how life changing and important mentors can be and an honest account of Malik’s challenging journey , so emotional in parts I could not put it down , strongly recommended.
March 15, 2023
I really enjoyed this - an interesting memoir with some strong life lessons and a great tale of inspiration, mentorship and triumph.
January 1, 2023
An inspirational story. One that is equally challenging as it is compelling. As someone from Liverpool I found it a tough read at times knowing this happened in my City. It was also pretty uplifting to see the power that a simple act of kindness can have on another person & their life. Highly recommend.
December 29, 2024
Read for a uni module, but actually very interesting and insightful. Especially interesting reading about Liverpool in the 60/70/80s! And GSH is a legend.
September 23, 2021
A tear jerker, filled with laughs, stories, ambition, achievement and so much more.
The single most inspiring book I have read, and a true homage to Gil while following Malik's story to from the harsh beginning, to the never ending successes later on.
Gil was truely a saint, and malik a legend in his own right.
The single most inspiring book I have read, and a true homage to Gil while following Malik's story to from the harsh beginning, to the never ending successes later on.
Gil was truely a saint, and malik a legend in his own right.
November 5, 2021
Malik Al Nasir’s 'Letters to Gil' is three compelling stories of three almost separate lives weaved into one narrative and one life. The story of Malik’s relationship with Gil Scott-Heron who was a father figure, a critic and a mentor. The story of Mark –a Black boy from Liverpool - his treatment by and how he escaped from a cruel, unforgiving child care system. Together we read how these two stories interweave to create the third and central story of how the boy Mark became the man Malik – the Muslim, the poet, the music entrepreneur and the academic. 'Letters to Gil' is a search for identity in a world that could find no place for an ill-educated Black boy brought up in care. I found it hard to identify the most important thread, as those stories were so interrelated. Was it Malik’s relationship with Gil or his own development as a man? On reflection, I believe each story informed the other to create Malik.
I found 'Letters to Gil' a very readable, accessible book full of wonderful anecdotes. For example how Mark blagged his way back stage to Gil’s concert at The Royal Court Theatre Liverpool, the systemic racism he experienced at sea and how he overcame it, the relationship between Gil Scott-Heron and the Lost Poets and the history of rap, to name but three. 'Letters to Gil' is a wonderful life affirming read – it does not matter where you start it’s how you take advantage of the opportunities on the way. I thoroughly enjoyed and wholeheartedly recommend Malik Al Nasir’s 'Letters to Gil'.
I found 'Letters to Gil' a very readable, accessible book full of wonderful anecdotes. For example how Mark blagged his way back stage to Gil’s concert at The Royal Court Theatre Liverpool, the systemic racism he experienced at sea and how he overcame it, the relationship between Gil Scott-Heron and the Lost Poets and the history of rap, to name but three. 'Letters to Gil' is a wonderful life affirming read – it does not matter where you start it’s how you take advantage of the opportunities on the way. I thoroughly enjoyed and wholeheartedly recommend Malik Al Nasir’s 'Letters to Gil'.
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