Who Is Linton Kwesi Johnson?

Linton Kwesi Johnson, born on 24 August 1952 , is a Jamaican poet whose style of speaking his words over dub reggae music albums, is responsible for what came to be known as Dub Poerty. LKJ came to London in 1963 (aged 11) and starting writing poetry six years later. While still at school he joined the black panthers and simultaneously became involved in both politics and poetry. He became known simply as ‘The Poet’ and, usually in collaboration with British producer Dennis Bovell, Linton became the voice of the black people in Britain. He launched his own music label, LKJ Records, in 1981 and can still be found performing today…30 years on from his debut album.

What Is Dub Poetry?

Dub Poetry is a form of expression whereby the artist speaks, usually in Jamaican Patois, over dub reggae rhythms; it has much in common with Dancehall and Roots Reggae. You will find Dub Poetry a little different though as it is often highly political and tends to focus heavily on social justice. The term ‘Dub Poetry’ was coined to describe the musical style of LKJ just days after the release of his Dread, Beat An’ Blood album.

Dread, Beat An’ Blood?

This is Linton Kwesi Johnsons’ 1978 debut album, which expressed British black experiences like never before; police harrassment, the national front and violence in the black community are all issues he wrote about. Quite simply, this album is brilliant! It took everyone by surprise as LKJ voiced the concerns of a generation and it is amazing how fitting it is still to this day. The release of this album was a significant event both in Britain and beyond.

The album features tracks which include ‘It Dread Inna Inglan (for George Lindo)’, a protest song about George Lindo who was framed for robbery in Bradford before being released and awarded £25,000.

Anything Else?

Why yes….loads…for more Linton Kwesi Johnson please see his discography below.

Live in Paris - Wrasse, 2004
Straight to Inglan’s Head - Univeral, 2003.
LKJ in Dub: Volume 3 - LKJ Records, 2002.
Independent Intavenshan - Island, 1998 (Compilation).
More Time - LKJ Records, 1999.
LKJ A Cappella Live - LKJ Records, 1996.
LKJ Presents - LKJ Records, 1996.
LKJ in Dub: Volume 2 - LKJ Records, 1992.
Tings An’ Times - LKJ Records, 1991.
Dub Poetry - Mango, 1985 (Compilation).
LKJ Live in Concert with the Dub Band - LKJ Records, 1985.
Reggae Greats - Mango, 1984.
Making History - Island, 1983.
LKJ in Dub - Island, 1980.
The Best of Linton Kwesi Johnson - Epic, 1980 (Compilation).
Bass Culture - Island, 1980.
Forces of Victory - Island, 1979.
Dread Beat An’ Blood - Island, 1978

Here is Linton more recently with ‘More Time’