A Special 30th Anniversary Edition of Nubian Jak: Celebrating Black British History through Play
A special 30th anniversary edition of Nubian Jak, the iconic Black British board game that has brought African-centered history into family homes for three decades, is set to launch this festive season. This new edition marks a significant anniversary for a game that has empowered families by intertwining entertainment with education, especially regarding African heritage.
How Nubian Jak Became a Christmas Hit in 1994
Original Launch and Immediate Success
Launched in November 1994 by entrepreneur Jak Beula through his company Kemco Concepts, Nubian Jak was designed to merge fun with the wealth of knowledge about African history, focusing on Britain, Europe, and the wider African diaspora. This unique premise resonated deeply with Black British communities, and the game quickly gained popularity, even outselling the legendary Trivial Pursuit in several major South London stores during its first Christmas on sale.
Beula strategically positioned Nubian Jak for the holiday shopping season, initially stocking 1,000 copies at Morleys Group locations across London. His successful pitch directly to retail buyers and subsequent advertising efforts on Choice FM—the UK’s first licensed Black radio station—helped elevate the game’s profile and led to an astounding sellout of its first print run in just weeks.
Expanding Horizons
The game’s immediate success captured national attention and led to its showcasing at the Olympia Toy Fair, where it was named one of the Top 10 Board Games of 1995 by Games and Puzzles Magazine. Following this, a World Revised Edition was released, broadening its reach to audiences in the United States and the Caribbean.
Bringing Black History into Homes
Content and Update
The recently announced anniversary edition promises to elevate the game further. It features a redesigned board with an innovative quadruple-pyramid fold and includes updated questions that cover contemporary figures such as Coco Gauff, Stormzy, and Ibrahim Traoré, alongside historical icons like Maya Angelou. Additionally, it highlights lesser-known Black innovators, ensuring that players not only learn about well-known personalities but also the contributions of figures who have shaped history in quieter ways.
Jak Beula expressed his excitement about the revised edition: “It’s amazing to see the love still existing and even more so for a retro game that was first launched 30 years ago.” This enthusiasm reflects the current cultural climate’s thirst for educational resources that celebrate diverse histories.
The Game’s Lasting Appeal
Intergenerational Impact
Describing the game as the “Black Trivial Pursuit” in its early days, Beula has since evolved his perspective. The game’s longevity is attributed to its intergenerational appeal, with many parents who enjoyed Nubian Jak in their youth now playing it with their own children. This cyclical nature of enjoyment has created a robust community that fosters educational growth through fun.
The game’s resonance within the cultural fabric of the community has sparked praise from various figures. Prominent singer Omar called Nubian Jak “a wicked game,” while comedian Gina Yashere noted its fantastic concept. Academic Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. highlighted the game’s blend of global Black history with accessible trivia, a sentiment echoed by Professor Gus John, who believes “every household should have a copy, regardless of background or ethnicity.”
Beyond the Board Game
Jak Beula has not only focused on Nubian Jak as a product; he went on to establish the Nubian Jak Community Trust. This initiative advocates for greater representation of Black history through plaques and statues, emphasizing the educational value of public spaces and monuments.
The Road Ahead
With a renewed demand in the lead-up to its relaunch, the 30th anniversary edition of Nubian Jak is set to celebrate its legacy while reinforcing the importance of Black history in family learning. This momentous occasion not only commemorates a beloved board game but also highlights the continuing journey toward inclusion and representation in education.
For those interested in purchasing the anniversary edition, further details can be found here.