I have the pleasure here of speaking to Emmanuel Kulu, author of I, Black Pharaoh, Rise to Power, for Viral Hare’s Spotlight Interview Series. I got to learn a lot about the author’s background and inspiration behind the book.
Emmanuel Kulu Jr. is an author/writer of Cameroonian descent. His father Emmanuel Kulu Sr. a career engineer and his mother Betty Kulu a career MD history educator. As a career Social worker, Kulu had a deep passion for history and creative arts. Kulu tapped into film writing and acting with films like “The Rize & Fall of Tephlon Ent.”, “Bug Love”, and “The First Purge”. In more recent years, Kulu turned his focus to embracing his African lineage. Upon deep study and research of great African kingdoms, he set his heart on Ancient Egypt as his first project as an author. Kulu questioned the validity of prior novel and film depictions of the imagery of the ancient Egyptians, who were in fact, African people. Based on his research Kulu created a mythological story based on true events, titled “I Black Pharaoh: Rise to Power”.
Emmanuel, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Please tell me more about your background.
Well, my mother was a history teacher and history has always been a part of my family. I have a B.A. in Human Services and work as a social worker. Prior to being a social worker, I was a hip-hop producer who got to work with some great artists. I wrote and recorded many records in the 15 years that I worked in music. Writing has always been a passion of mine even when I was working in the music industry. Since then, I’ve enjoyed the process of creating and painting pictures in stories for audiences to enjoy.
Tell me more about what inspired you to write this book?
Well, there is a lot of African history that people are unaware of. I am actually part of the Shaka Zulu heritage and Bantu tribe. I focused in on this book as also a tribute to a lot of great leaders including Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmoses III. It’s a mythological story based off of true events. I chose to write about Thutmose III because there are not that many novels or films that showcase him about his reign.
What are some main highlights of the book?
I really wanted to focus in on the tale of the Pharaohs, and story they told in history. It all begins in 1580 B.C. The main characters are Queen Hatshepsut, Thutmose III ( who is her step-son ), and Thutmose II( her husband.)The significance of these characters and place in history has defined further historical events and revolutionized occurrences in our modern day era. There is also an added magical element to it when readers get into God Seti and God Amun-ra.
In the novel, ThutmoseIII, ( also known as “The Black Pharaoh”), readers get to follow and learn about his rise to power. He is known as the greatest conqueror of Egypt. Some have even compared him to Napoleon. He has recorded to have conquered 350 cities in both Africa and Middle Eastern regions. There is a lot to learn here and I think readers will like that.
Please tell me more about Queen Hatshepsut. She seems like an interesting character.
She was one of Egypt’s most recognized and beloved queens even though not many people outside of Africa know about her. She ruled Egypt as a Pharaoh for twenty years. When you think about it she is a strong woman and great role model in history for not just African American women, but all women. I also wanted to note that after her death, many of her works as Pharaoh were altered or defaced simply because she was a woman.
What were some challenges you faced in getting this book published?
First of all, this is my first book. It took me two years to write this book while working my job as a social worker. After struggling to find a publisher, I finally secured a deal with Penit Publications. They helped me with marketing and distribution.
Another challenge was the backlash I got for writing about Pharaohs as Africans. Contrary to what people may believe, I am by no means Afrocentric or part of any of its movement. I take pride in my lineage but I also am delighted by diversity, culture, traditions and all people. Diversity makes the world a better place.
Where can the public buy your book? What is the price?
It will be released on Amazon in November and possibly Barnes in Noble in January. It’s $12.99 for the standard edition and $25.99 for the 14k gold plated book.
What’s next for you?
I am working on a book called “Broken”, which is about a Mexica American woman who got caught up in drug trafficking. There will also be a branch of the I, Black Pharaoh collection.
Well, it was so exciting to sit down and talk to you. I learned so much today. I hope to see your work in the future and thank you for your time.
You’re welcome
Very excited this is happening! We started the fight long ago with “Black Genesis”. Emmanuel Kulu prepare yourself for the critics, don’t let them break you. Stand fast! I’m very impressed with your message.
Great Interview 👍! I’m glad this is really happening. Ancient Egyptians were Black Africans. I don’t know how this has been hidden for this long. Live from the UK we will support.
When does this book come out? Great Interview has me interested. I always wanted to teach this to my students but I was condemned for it. As a white man, i admire Mr. Kulu for his courage. Please let me know where I can buy.