Ssega’s Book Ignites Climate Action South London 2026

Key Points

• London-based musician, artist, and activist Love Ssega has released his debut children’s novel, The Elementals: Wanzu Sets Sail, published by Little Tiger in March 2026.
• The book targets Key Stage 2 pupils in South London primary schools, using storytelling to introduce environmental issues and inspire climate awareness and action.
• It is the first in a planned four-part series; the second book, The Elementals: Peo Saves the Trees, is set for August 2026, with books three and four in spring and autumn 2027.
• Ssega is visiting South London schools with live readings, interactive discussions, and immersive storytelling sessions where pupils follow character Wanzu on a rescue mission in the magical world of Sealand, learning about climate action and environmental responsibility.
• Ssega founded the community-led climate initiative LIVE + BREATHE, which uses art, music, and activism to empower young people and communities on clean air and climate justice in South London.
• Ssega is a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning band Clean Bandit, a multidisciplinary artist commissioned by institutions like the National Gallery, Royal Shakespeare Company, Serpentine, and Whitechapel Gallery; he is currently an Associate Artist at the Southbank Centre (2024–2027) and was Philharmonia Orchestra’s Artist in Residence (2022–23).
• Upcoming events include a visit to Berger Primary School with music legend Brian Eno in April 2026, and participation in Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary Spring Family Fun during the May half term with storytelling sessions, interactive workshops, and live appearances.
• LIVE + BREATHE, founded in 2022, continues its 2026 programme with events during London Climate Week (21–29 June) and summer-long campaigns across South London, harnessing art, music, sport, and creativity to address air pollution and environmental injustice.

South London (South London News) April 8, 2026 – Love Ssega, London-based musician and activist from the Grammy Award-winning band Clean Bandit, has launched his debut children’s novel The Elementals: Wanzu Sets Sail to engage Key Stage 2 pupils in South London primary schools on climate action through storytelling.

What Is Love Ssega’s Debut Children’s Book About?

Published by Little Tiger in March 2026, The Elementals: Wanzu Sets Sail follows Wanzu and his friends on magical adventures in the world of Sealand. The story centres on a rescue mission where the characters confront environmental challenges and learn practical ways to make a difference. As the first instalment in a planned four-part series, it sets the stage for subsequent books: 

The Elementals: Peo Saves the Trees in August 2026, with the third and fourth volumes scheduled for spring and autumn 2027.

Ssega has taken the book directly into classrooms across South London, delivering live readings, interactive discussions, and immersive storytelling. Pupils participate by following Wanzu’s journey, gaining lessons in climate action and environmental responsibility.

How Is Love Ssega Bringing the Book to South London Schools?

Since the launch, Ssega has conducted school visits featuring hands-on sessions that bring the narrative to life. These include discussions on the story’s themes and activities that encourage pupils to explore environmental issues creatively.

Ssega stated:

“Writing The Elementals has been an honour. I love using imagination to draw young people into environmental issues and show them how they can respond creatively and meaningfully.”

He added:

“Through storytelling, music, and imagination, we can empower young people to feel connected to the world and confident in their ability to make a difference. The Elementals is about sparking curiosity, hope, and action.”

What Is the LIVE + BREATHE Initiative and Its Role?

As reported in coverage from the Southbank Centre’s event listing, Ssega founded LIVE + BREATHE, a community-led climate initiative launched in 2022.

The programme combines art, music, and activism to empower young people and local communities in South London to address clean air and climate justice. It harnesses creativity to raise awareness of air pollution and environmental injustice, amplifying underrepresented voices in climate conversations.

LIVE + BREATHE’s 2026 schedule includes events during London Climate Week from 21 to 29 June, alongside summer-long campaigns across South London. These efforts incorporate art, music, sport, and creativity to tackle key issues.

Who Is Love Ssega and What Are His Key Achievements?

Love Ssega adds authorship to his portfolio as a founding member of Clean Bandit, the Grammy Award-winning band.

He works as a multidisciplinary artist and has received commissions from major institutions, including the National Gallery, Royal Shakespeare Company, Serpentine, and Whitechapel Gallery.

Currently, Ssega serves as an Associate Artist at the Southbank Centre for 2024–2027. He previously held the role of Artist in Residence with the Philharmonia Orchestra from 2022 to 2023.

What Upcoming Events Feature Love Ssega and The Elementals?

Ssega is scheduled to visit Berger Primary School in April 2026 alongside music legend Brian Eno. The session will share insights into environmental awareness and the arts’ role in driving positive change.

During the May half term, Ssega will join Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary Spring Family Fun programme.

This includes storytelling sessions, interactive workshops, and live appearances to mark the launch of The Elementals: Wanzu Sets Sail. Details are available at Southbank Centre’s event page.

Why Does Love Ssega Focus on Children’s Storytelling for Climate Action?

Ssega’s approach uses narrative to make complex environmental topics accessible to young audiences. By integrating the book with school visits and community initiatives, he aims to foster early engagement with climate issues.

The Southbank Centre listing notes that these efforts align with broader programming to connect families with cultural and environmental themes.

Background of the Development

Love Ssega’s entry into children’s literature builds on his established career in music and arts activism. As a Clean Bandit founding member, he has long blended creativity with social issues. LIVE + BREATHE emerged in 2022 amid rising concerns over South London’s air quality and climate impacts. The initiative gained traction through collaborations with cultural venues.

The book’s publication by Little Tiger in March 2026 follows Ssega’s residencies at the Philharmonia Orchestra and Southbank Centre, where he developed programmes linking arts to environmental education. School visits and events like the Berger Primary collaboration with Brian Eno extend this work, rooted in community-driven responses to local pollution challenges documented in London-wide reports since 2020.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect South London Schoolchildren

This development provides Key Stage 2 pupils in South London primary schools with direct exposure to climate education through engaging stories and interactive sessions. Schoolchildren can gain foundational knowledge of environmental challenges via Wanzu’s adventures, potentially increasing their awareness of local issues like air pollution.

Ongoing school visits and events during holidays and London Climate Week offer repeated touchpoints, enabling pupils to participate in discussions and activities that build skills in creative problem-solving. The series’ expansion through 2027 sustains this access, while ties to LIVE + BREATHE connect children to community campaigns, fostering long-term involvement in climate action within their neighbourhoods.