THE #MERKY STORY SO FAR

Edited and Co-written by Jude Yawson

Contributions by Team #Merky

Images by Kaylum Dennis

‘It’s been a long time coming, I swear...’

In four years Stormzy has risen from one of the most promising musicians of his generation to a spokesperson for a generation. Rise Up is the story of how he got there. It’s a story about faith and the ideas worth fighting for. It’s about knowing where you’re from, and where you’re going. It’s about following your dreams without compromising who you are.

Featuring never-before-seen photographs, annotated lyrics and contributions from those closest to him, Rise Up is the #Merky story, and the record of a journey unlike any other.

'A very important book. The voices we hear from - young, gifted and largely black - are all too rarely heard. These are people who typically have to listen to a daily diet of media negativity about their communities without the opportunities to respond. ... It is truly inspiring to read about the accomplishments of Team Stormzy, realised largely without money or expertise, but with bucketloads of intelligence and hard work.' BBC (WILL GOMPERTZ)

___________________________________ What do you want to be when you grow up? Discover the new daring tales of inspiration from over fifty iconic British icons today, who have each harnessed their curiosity and ambition and turned it into their own superhero power. With a special introduction by Stormzy! Every inspirational figure has something that makes them special, just like you. Just look at: * Princess K, who went from tapping her foot under the desk at school, to dancing centre stage at Glastonbury * Dina Asher Smith, who started out crawling at lightning speed and became the fastest British woman in history * Reggie Yates, who used his power of empathy to connect instantly both in person and through the TV * Riz Ahmed, whose ability to code-switch between cultures and creative outlets let him excel as a scholar, actor, activist, and rapper * Liam Charles, who followed his childhood passion in the kitchen to become a Bake Off master This is a book filled with inspiring journeys, to encourage and empower you to harness your power, and become your own superhero. 8% of the RRP for all print sales in the UK of Superheroes will be donated to MERKY FOUNDATION LIMITED (Registered Charity No. 1186891)