Dr Simukai Chigudu publishes new memoir on freedom and the legacies of empire

St Antony’s College is pleased to share that Dr Simukai Chigudu, Governing Body Fellow of St Antony’s College and Associate Professor of African Politics at the University of Oxford, has published a new book, Chasing Freedom.

Chasing Freedom is an intimate and wide-ranging memoir that traces Chigudu’s life from Zimbabwe to Oxford, exploring how the histories of colonialism and liberation continue to shape individuals, families and societies.

Drawing on his own experiences as part of Zimbabwe’s ‘born free’ generation – those born after independence – the book examines the enduring impact of empire and the question at its core: what it means to be truly free.

Blending personal narrative with political and historical analysis, Chasing Freedom recounts Chigudu’s upbringing in a family shaped by the liberation struggle, including his father’s role in the war against the Rhodesian regime and the wider transformations of postcolonial Zimbabwe. The memoir also reflects on his educational journey and academic career, including his experiences in the United Kingdom and at Oxford.

Critics have described the book as ‘a work of real power and beauty’ and ‘an elegant exploration of how political liberation does not always bring freedom for oneself’, highlighting its contribution to contemporary debates on colonial legacies and identity.

Chigudu’s research and teaching focus on African politics and the social and political roots of inequality, and his work has been widely recognised for its interdisciplinary approach. His new book continues this engagement, offering a personal perspective on themes that resonate across global contexts.

Listen to Dr Chigudu discuss the book and its inspirations for the BBC World Service.