Alex Wheatle, the ‘Brixton Bard’ who wrote the Crongton Knights books and inspired a film in Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series, has died aged 62.
Alex’s family shared a statement confirming his death: “It is with great sadness we inform you that Alex Wheatle, our ‘Brixton Bard’, sadly passed away on Sunday 16th March 2025 after his fight with prostate cancer.”
Wheatle was a much-loved children’s author and was best known for the Crongton series, which are being adapted for the BBC. He had become a writer after a short jail sentence for his involvement in the 1981 Brixton race riots in the UK, quickly becoming one of the most influential literary voices in south London and around the country.
Wheatle’s plight was captured on screen by Sheyi Cole, who played him in a ‘Alex Wheatle’, of the films that comprises McQueen’s BBC series Small Axe.
The BBC adaptation of Crongton was shelved after allegations about the behavior of Noel Clarke, whose production company Unstoppable Film & Television was helming the project, but it was revived in December 2023, as we reported at the time. The Long Shadow and Champion producer New Pictures is now making the show, which launches this year on BBC iPlayer this year.
“Alex has 26 years of legacy for you all to continue and enjoy by reading his novels, watch again the self-titled episode ‘Alex Wheatle’ from the Small Axe TV series and also watch the new upcoming Crongton TV series as he looks over us in spirit,” added his family in a statement. They have asked for privacy “during this difficult time.”
Numerous tributes have come in for Wheatle, with the Black Writers Guild writing: “Our Guild is deeply saddened to share that pioneering and canonical writer Alex Wheatle has joined the ancestors. Alex Wheale was a fierce advocate for Black British stories and a much-needed voice of dissent in publishing. He was one of the earliest writers to give contemporary, working-class Black Britain a voice.”
The Guild added he was a “much-loved mentor, colleague and critical friend to many.”
Author Anita Sethi, who wrote I Belong Here: a Journey Along the Backbone of Britain, wrote on social media: “Heartbroken to hear of the death of the wonderful writer Alex Wheatle, with whom I was honoured to share both stages & pages.” Fondly remembering our event for Common People anthology.”
The Black British Book Festival released a statement saying: “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Alex Wheatle, a legendary novelist and a phenomenal leader in Black British literature. His powerful storytelling and dedication to uplifting Black voices earned him an MBE and numerous other awards.”
