Legendary reggae poet and social activist to perform at Gulbenkian
Linton Kwesi Johnson: Legendary reggae poet and social activist to perform at Gulbenkian Arts Centre
On Friday 24 September 2021, Canterbury’s Gulbenkian Arts Centre will host a performance by Linton Kwesi Johnson, whose influential and radical voice made him the first black poet to have his work included in Penguin’s Modern Classics series.
Gulbenkian’s Artistic Director, David Sefton, says: “Linton Kwesi Johnson’s is one of the most important voices in 20th and 21st century spoken word. It is fantastic to think of him performing here in Canterbury and I am sure our audiences will grab this opportunity to watch a true legend in action.”
Linton Kwesi Johnson’s work has always been political, vital and necessary, drawing attention to topics like systemic racism, police abuse and National Front attacks, calling for government, institutions and society to be held to account.
The legendary reggae poet and social activist was born in Jamaica before moving to London. He was a member of the Black Panthers and the poetry editor of political magazine Race Today, using the platform to introduce important ideas and new voices to the British public, including Michael Smith and Oku Onuora.
In 1974 Race Today published Johnson’s first collection of poetry: Voices of the Living and the Dead. He has had four more books published and in 2002 became only the second living poet and the first black poet to have his work included in Penguin’s Modern Classics series, under the title Mi Revalueshanary Fren: Selected Poem. One of his best known poems, Inglan’ is a Bitch, was part of the self titled 1980 collection and the album Bass Culture.
Johnson’s first album, Dread Beat An Blood was released in 1978, and since then he has released 14 more albums made with long-time collaborator, dub producer Dennis Bovell. He has been running his own record label, LKJ Records, since 1981, bringing new artists to the attention of wider audiences.
Linton Kwesi Johnson appears at Gulbenkian Arts Centre, Canterbury, on Friday 24 September 2021 at 7.30pm. Tickets for the event are £15 (£10 Student/Under 26) and can be bought online at www.thegulbenkian.co.uk
