Linton Kwesi Johnson (aka LKJ) (born 24 August 1952, in Chapelton, Jamaica)… Read Full Bio ↴Linton Kwesi Johnson (aka LKJ) (born 24 August 1952, in Chapelton, Jamaica) is a British-based Dub poet. He became only the second living poet to be published in the Penguin series. His poetry involves the recitation of his own verse in Jamaican Creole over dub-reggae, usually written in collaboration with renowned British reggae producer/artist Dennis Bovell .
Most of Johnson's poetry is political, dealing mainly with the experiences of being an African-Caribbean in Britain. However, he has also shown himself more than capable of writing about other issues, such as British foreign policy or the death of anti-racist marcher Blair Peach. His most celebrated poems were written during the government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The poems contain graphic accounts of the often racist police brutality occurring at the time.
Johnson's best known albums include his debut "Dread Beat An' Blood", "Forces of Victory", "Bass Culture" and "Making History". Across these albums are spread classics of the dub poetry school of performance - and, indeed, of reggae itself - such as "Dread Beat An' Blood", "Sonny's Lettah, "Inglan Is A Bitch" and "Independant Intavenshan".
When written, Johnson's poetry makes clever use of the unstandardised transcription of Jamaican Creole.
Of late, Johnson has only performed live on an intermittent basis.
Johnson's record label LKJ Records is home to other reggae artists, some of whom made up The Dub Band, with whom Johnson mostly recorded, and other Dub Poets, such as Jean Binta Breeze.
www.lintonkwesijohnson.com
Most of Johnson's poetry is political, dealing mainly with the experiences of being an African-Caribbean in Britain. However, he has also shown himself more than capable of writing about other issues, such as British foreign policy or the death of anti-racist marcher Blair Peach. His most celebrated poems were written during the government of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The poems contain graphic accounts of the often racist police brutality occurring at the time.
Johnson's best known albums include his debut "Dread Beat An' Blood", "Forces of Victory", "Bass Culture" and "Making History". Across these albums are spread classics of the dub poetry school of performance - and, indeed, of reggae itself - such as "Dread Beat An' Blood", "Sonny's Lettah, "Inglan Is A Bitch" and "Independant Intavenshan".
When written, Johnson's poetry makes clever use of the unstandardised transcription of Jamaican Creole.
Of late, Johnson has only performed live on an intermittent basis.
Johnson's record label LKJ Records is home to other reggae artists, some of whom made up The Dub Band, with whom Johnson mostly recorded, and other Dub Poets, such as Jean Binta Breeze.
www.lintonkwesijohnson.com
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Live in Paris
Linton Kwesi Johnson Lyrics
Di Great Insohreckshan It was in April, nineteen.....eighty one Down 'n on dee ghe…
Fite Dem Back We gonna smash their brains in Cause they ain't got…
Intro / Di Eagle An Di Bear DI EAGLE AND DI BEAR Di Eagle and di Bear a…
Liesense Fi Kill sometiem mi tink mi coe-workah crazy di way kristeen woodah…
Mekkin histri now tell mi someting mistah govahment man tell mi someting …
More Time wi mawchin out di ole towards di new centri arm wid…
Reggae Fi Bernard Wi nevah come fram di same blood-line but wi pawt kriss-kra…
Reggae Fi Peach Everywhere you go its the talk of the day, Everywhere you…
Reggae Fi Radni You nuh see how de clou' them jus' came sit…
Sonny's Lettah Dear mama Good day I hope that when these few lines reach…
Tings An Times Duped Doped Demoralised Dizzied Dozed Traumatized Blinded b…
Want Fi Goh Rave I woz Waakin doun di road road Di addah day When a hear…
Selby Gama
on New Word Hawdah
In the early eighties, whilst at university and revelling in LKJ's dub-poetry, I stumbled upon a a commentary which spoke of him in these terms, "his lyrics explode like bombs and his voice is too important to ignore." Three and a half decades later, still revelling in his dub-poetry, this has a stronger resonance and remains apt. His music makes the clarity complete. I named one of my sons Lynton, and have taken time to explain to him the significance of my christening him so. Thank you LKJ for those explosive dynamite lyrics and that all too important voice.