Linton Kwesi Johnson

Linton Kwesi Johnson is a Jamaican-born poet and recording artist whose work examines Black life in Britain. He moved to London in 1963, studied sociology at Goldsmiths and became involved with the British Black Panthers and the Keskidee Centre. His poetry developed through political organising as well as literary and musical practice.

Writing in Jamaican vernacular, Johnson has addressed racism, policing, work and resistance in poems including Sonny's Lettah and Di Great Insohreckshan. His books and recordings include Dread Beat an' Blood and Inglan Is a Bitch. He founded LKJ Records in 1981, providing a platform for his own work and other dub poets.