Some timely words from the legendary Dub poet in light of recent events in London. Press play…

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia…

Linton Kwesi Johnson (aka LKJ) (born 24 August 1952, Chapelton, Jamaica) is a UK-based dub poet. He became the second living poet, and the only black poet, to be published in the Penguin Classics series. His poetry involves the recitation of his own verse in Jamaican Patois over dub-reggae, usually written in collaboration with renowned British reggae producer/artist Dennis Bovell.

Johnson studied for a degree in sociology at Goldsmiths College in New Cross, London (graduating in 1973), which currently holds his personal papers in its archives; in 2004 he became an Honorary Visiting Professor of Middlesex University in London. In 2005 he was awarded a silver Musgrave medal from the Institute of Jamaica for distinguished eminence in the field of poetry.

While still at school he joined the British Black Panther Movement, helped to organize a poetry workshop within the movement, and developed his work with Rasta Love, a group of poets and drummers.

…peace to our good friend Alwin for the heads up on this one.

After the jump, view the video that inspired this post…

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When I was coming up, one of the artists my father always tried to hip me to was Linton Kwesi Johnson. That being the case, I know he’d be happy to know now that college courses in South Africa feature LKJ’s work. Check the details below…

Ask the academia and ask the man in the streets. His pen cuts deeper than the sword. To legions of world music and dub poetry fans worldwide he is LKJ. These three letters say it all. Linton ‘Kwesi’ Johnson. One of the pioneers of the revolutionary dub poetry movement and a living testament to ‘word, sound and power.’

For well beyond thirty years, he has reigned as international dub grand-master. His works have resonated with all who have taken a keen listen. His recently concluded April 25 show at Rhodes University located in the city of Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape Province, saw many reeling out the R100 per ticket, even despite financial woes of many in that city. His monumental visit to South Africa held a series of other LKJ performances from April 24 to May 2, which saw him taking the stage in Johannesbourg, Cape Town and Durban to similarly enthusiastic patrons.

This is a genius of a man, with an extraordinary lyrical acumen . He holds the distinction of being only the second living poet – and the first black poet – to be published in the highly regarded Penguin Modern Classics series. LKJ’s critically acclaimed work forms part of a post-colonial literature course at Rhodes University….

Check out the full story here: LKJ Brings Bass and Culture To South Africa.

After the jump, check out a video of the man at work…

image via Bartek Muracki on Flickr.

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